Knowing More Video Series: Your Guide to Understanding Fair Housing
Welcome to our ‘Knowing More’ series for Section 8 residents – an educational journey designed to deepen your understanding of fair housing.
Do you live in Section 8 housing?
Living in Section 8 housing comes with its own unique set of rights and responsibilities. Our ‘Knowing More’ video series is an invaluable resource for you as a resident.
It provides clear, insightful information on your rights under fair housing laws and practical guidance on your responsibilities as a Section 8 resident. This series is crucial in helping you navigate the complexities of Section 8 housing, ensuring you are well-informed and empowered to make the most of your living situation.
Whether it’s understanding how to report maintenance issues, knowing your protections against discrimination, or engaging effectively with housing authorities, this series is designed to support and educate you every step of the way.
Section 8 Fundamentals
Dive into our introductory series, where we lay the groundwork for understanding your rights under fair housing laws and your responsibilities as a Section 8 resident. These videos cover the basics, ensuring a solid foundation for more complex topics.
Featured Episodes
Religious Discrimination in Housing
Learn about the challenges individuals face due to religious discrimination in housing and the legal frameworks that protect against such biases.
Section 8 Resident Rights and Responsibilities: Your Apartment
In this video, we dive into the rights you have as a resident in a HUD-assisted multifamily housing property. Understanding these rights is crucial for ensuring your living conditions are up to standard and fair.
Understanding Protected Classes
Understand who is safeguarded by this crucial legislation and what it means for you as a HUD-assisted resident. This video clearly explains each protected class, highlighting the importance of equal treatment in housing. Don’t forget to subscribe for more insights, and join us in advocating for fair housing rights.
Featured Blog Posts
- Understanding Your Section 8 Lease: Key Terms Every Tenant Should KnowUnderstanding the terms when signing a Section 8 lease is essential. Knowing your rights and responsibilities is essential. While every lease may vary slightly, HUD requires owners and agents to… Read more: Understanding Your Section 8 Lease: Key Terms Every Tenant Should Know
- How to Get Free Legal Aid for RentersWe continue our Knowing More series for residents with a new Free Legal Aid video. Renters facing disputes with their landlords often struggle to afford legal representation. However, free legal… Read more: How to Get Free Legal Aid for Renters
- Waiting Lists & Local Preferences – A GuideApplying for affordable housing can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with long waiting lists and local preferences. Understanding these elements is critical to staying informed and increasing your chances of… Read more: Waiting Lists & Local Preferences – A Guide
- Understanding HUD’s Guidance on Screening Applicants for Rental Housing: A Fair Housing PerspectiveThe U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) guidance promotes fair practices in the tenant screening process for rental housing. This guidance emphasizes the importance of following the Fair… Read more: Understanding HUD’s Guidance on Screening Applicants for Rental Housing: A Fair Housing Perspective
- Understanding Fraud, Abuse, Errors, and Omissions in Section 8 HousingMaintaining integrity in the Section 8 housing program is crucial to ensure that assistance reaches those who need it most. However, confusion often arises between what constitutes fraud and abuse versus errors and omissions. This blog post aims to clarify these terms and highlight their implications for Section 8 applicants and residents.
Log a Resident Concern
Residents of HUD-assisted housing have certain rights and responsibilities. One of the rights is the ability to file concerns with management, owners, or government agencies without retaliation, harassment or intimidation.
Playlist for Section 8 Residents
Click on the playlist icon in the top right of the video frame to see a full list of videos.
Fair Housing FAQs
Residents
How can I file a fair housing complaint?
- Online: You can file online in English or Spanish.
- Email: You can also download a form (also available in Arabic, Cambodian, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese) and email it to your local FHEO office at the email address on this list.
- Phone: Talk to an FHEO specialist: 1-800-669-9777 (or 1-800-927-9275 for TTY).
- Mail: Print this form (also available in Arabic, Cambodian, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese) and mail it to your regional FHEO office at the address on this list.
Learn more about the process here.
I worry that if I file, I will lose my housing.
According to HUD, retaliation is illegal. It is illegal to retaliate against any person for making a complaint, testifying, assisting, or participating in any manner in a proceeding under HUD’s complaint process at any time, even after the investigation has been completed. The Fair Housing Act also makes it illegal to retaliate against any person because that person reported a concern to a housing provider or other authority. If you believe you have experienced retaliation, you can file a complaint.
How can I learn about the Complaint Process?
Should I get help before filing a complaint?
HUD has provided a list of resources in case you do decide to seek help prior to filing a complaint.
How do I file a complaint in languages other than English?
Managers
Where can I find posters and brochures to make residents aware of their fair housing rights?
HUD has an entire page dedicated to outreach tools.