City Development

Fair housing laws generally apply to most housing transactions, including renting, buying, financing, advertising, and other housing-related activities. Some limited exemptions may apply.

Housing discrimination occurs when a person is treated differently in a housing-related transaction because of a protected characteristic, such as race, disability, familial status, religion, sex, national origin, or another protected class.

Examples may include:

• Refusing to rent or sell housing
• Offering different terms or conditions
• Charging different fees or deposits
• Steering individuals to certain neighborhoods
• Refusing a reasonable accommodation for a disability
• Harassing a tenant because of a protected characteristic

No. Familial status is a protected class under federal fair housing law. In most cases, housing providers may not discriminate against families with children.

Housing providers may be required to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, including allowing service animals or assistance animals in situations where pets are otherwise prohibited.

A reasonable accommodation is a change to a rule, policy, practice, or service that allows a person with a disability to have equal access to housing.

You may contact the Housing Division for information and resources regarding fair housing rights and complaint procedures. You may also file a complaint with the appropriate state or federal agency.

Yes. The City of Racine Fair Housing Ordinance provides additional protections that prohibit housing discrimination based on veteran status, disabled veteran status, and gender identity.

Filing deadlines vary depending on the agency and circumstances. Individuals who believe they have experienced housing discrimination should contact the appropriate agency as soon as possible.