Complaints (Fair Housing)

Federal and State Fair Housing laws forbid discrimination in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or handicap.  Under the Fair Housing Act, it is unlawful to:

• Refuse to rent to you or sell you housing.
• Tell you housing is unavailable when in fact it is available.
• Show you apartments or homes only in certain neighborhoods.
• Set different terms, conditions, or privileges for sale or rental of a dwelling.
• Provide different housing services or facilities.
• Advertise housing to preferred groups of people only.
• Refuse to provide you with information regarding mortgage loans, deny you a mortgage loan , or impose different terms or conditions on a mortgage loan.
• Deny you property insurance.
• Conduct property appraisals in a discriminatory manner.
• Refuse to make certain modifications or accommodations for persons with a mental or physical disability, including persons with HIV/AIDS-related illnesses, and person recovering from alcohol and substance abuse.
• Fail to design and construct housing in an accessible manner.
• Harass, coerce, intimidate, or interfere with anyone exercising or assisting someone else with his/her fair housing rights.
   

As a citizen it is my responsibility to...

When you look for a home to rent or buy, you should know how much other properties in the surrounding areas cost in order to obtain a fair price.  You should also make sure you understand the terms of your lease (i.e., how to break the lease without penalty) or the terms of your loan if purchasing.

If you think you have been discriminated against or if you would like more information, you can contact the Neighborhood & Community Services Department or the Bowling Green Human Rights Commission.
 

It is the responsibility of the city to...

Neighborhood & Community Services Department (NCS) and the Bowling Green Human Rights Commission (BGHRC) staff provide training, promotional materials, and other Fair Housing education resources to the public, businesses, landlords and civic organizations.  BGHRC also receives and documents Fair Housing complaints and may initiate investigation.  

If I am interested, who do I contact...

Human Rights Commission, 491 Double Springs Road, (270) 782-7900

Neighborhood & Community Services Department, NCS Building, 707 E. Main Avenue, (270) 393-3444.