Overview of HUD Administrative Complaint Process Re Housing Discrimination Claims

ndividuals make housing discrimination claims under state and federal laws based on several different theories including overt discrimination and failure to make a reasonable accommodation when merited due to a disability. An “aggrieved person” (a person who claims to have been injured by a discriminatory housing practice, or believes that he or she will be injured by a discriminatory housing practice that is about to occur) may seek relief by either: (1) filing a civil action in a federal district court; or (2) filing a complaint with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”), or a substantially equivalent state agency. This article provides an overview of the process that is followed when an aggrieved person pursues a discrimination action by filing a complaint with HUD.

Filing of Administrative Complaint.

Claims that are filed with HUD by an aggrieved person must be filed with the Secretary of HUD within 1 year after the discriminatory housing practice has occurred or terminated. The complaint can be filed at the HUD offices in Washington, D.C. or at any regional or field office of HUD.