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Fair Housing

Housing discrimination is illegal at every level of government. Pittsburgh and Allegheny County provide some of the strongest protections in Pennsylvania.

Three Layers of Protection

Federal Protection

Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq.

Protected Classes:

RaceColorReligionSex (including sexual harassment)National OriginDisabilityFamilial Status (families with children under 18)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
1-800-669-9777

Pennsylvania Protection

PA Human Relations Act, 43 P.S. § 951 et seq.

Protected Classes:

All federal protected classesAncestryAge (40 and over)Use of guide/support animal for disability
PA Human Relations Commission (PHRC)
412-565-5395 (Pittsburgh office)

Pittsburgh / Allegheny County Protection

Pittsburgh Human Relations Ordinance, Title 6, Ch. 651-659

Protected Classes:

All federal and state classesSexual orientationGender identity/expressionSource of income (Section 8, SSI, etc.)Veteran status
Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations
412-255-2600

What Landlords Cannot Do

Refusing to rent or sell housing based on a protected class
Setting different terms, conditions, or privileges for rental or sale
Providing different housing services or facilities
Falsely denying that housing is available for inspection, sale, or rental
Making, printing, or publishing discriminatory advertisements
Threatening, coercing, intimidating, or interfering with fair housing rights
Refusing to make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities
Refusing to allow reasonable modifications at tenant’s expense for disability
Retaliating against someone who files a fair housing complaint

If You Experience Discrimination

1

Document the Discrimination

Keep written records with dates, times, names of people involved, what was said or done, and names of any witnesses. Save all communications (texts, emails, letters).

2

File a Complaint

You can file with HUD (federal), PHRC (state), or the Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations (local). You do not need a lawyer to file. Complaints must generally be filed within 1 year of the discriminatory act.

3

Request Reasonable Accommodations

If you have a disability, you have the right to request reasonable accommodations (changes in rules/policies) or modifications (physical changes). Landlord cannot charge extra for accommodations.

4

Seek Legal Assistance

Contact the Fair Housing Partnership of Greater Pittsburgh (412-391-2535) for free counseling and complaint assistance, or Neighborhood Legal Services (412-255-6700) for legal representation.

Need help with a discrimination complaint?

Get attorney-drafted fair housing complaint documents and demand letters.

All TopicsGet Documents