What does fair housing mean?

Fair housing means that the sale, rental, and financing of housing must be done without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or familial status. Additional classes of persons are also protected under state law.

What is housing discrimination?

Housing discrimination involves treating a person differently than others are treated under similar circumstances, or denying benefits provided to others, in housing-related situations. This is illegal if it is done based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or familial status, or because
that person associates with someone of a particular race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or familial status. State laws also forbid discrimination based on other categories, such as age and receipt of public assistance.

The laws forbidding housing discrimination are meant to require that all individuals receive
the same treatment, the same services, and an equal opportunity to live in a home of their choice.
Reasonable accommodations must be made to allow persons with disabilities to enjoy equal access to the housing of their choice.

Does the Center help people when landlords or real estate agents are being unfair?
Only if the dispute involves potential housing discrimination based on federal or state laws. High Plains Fair Housing Center assists with situations that involve discrimination in housing and housing-related transactions. We are unable to assist with other landlord/tenant disputes or real estate transaction problems not involving illegal discrimination.

What services does High Plains Fair Housing Center offer?
The Center provides community education and individual counseling aimed at eliminating housing
discrimination in North Dakota and the surrounding region, so that all people enjoy the right to freely
choose where they want to live. Services include access to fair housing enforcement, education, and outreach.