Protected Classes in Alabama: Fair Housing Rights for Renters

Every renter deserves an equal opportunity to secure housing. If you're renting in Alabama, it's important to know which groups are protected under state and federal fair housing laws. This knowledge helps you understand your rights and the steps you can take if you experience discrimination.

Who Is Protected? Understanding Your Rights as an Alabama Renter

In Alabama, fair housing protections are shaped by both federal law and certain state-level measures. The main law governing fair housing nationwide is the Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968), which makes it illegal for landlords, property managers, or real estate agents to discriminate against individuals in the sale, rental, or financing of housing.

Federally Protected Classes

• Race
• Color
• National Origin
• Religion
• Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
• Familial Status (protection for families with children under 18)
• Disability

These federal protections apply to housing in Alabama and all other states. You have rights even if Alabama state law does not add extra classes.

Does Alabama Add Additional Protected Classes?

Currently, Alabama does not add further protected classes beyond what is already provided by federal law. This means federal law is your main source of protection as a renter if you face housing discrimination in Alabama.¹

What Counts as Housing Discrimination?

Discrimination can be direct or subtle. Some common examples include:

• Denying you the chance to rent based on your race, religion, family status, disability, or other protected characteristics
• Charging higher rent, adding fees, or offering different lease terms to members of protected classes
• Refusing to make reasonable accommodations for renters with disabilities (such as allowing service animals)
• Publishing ads stating preference for or against certain groups

If you suspect any of these actions are happening because you belong to a protected class, you may have grounds to file a complaint.

How to File a Fair Housing Complaint in Alabama

If you believe you have faced housing discrimination, you have options. Complaints can be filed with federal agencies or through the state. The main agency overseeing housing complaints in Alabama is the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Official Forms for Filing a Complaint

• Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (HUD Form 903.1): This form is used to report a fair housing violation to HUD. After describing your situation, HUD will investigate your complaint.
  Download HUD Form 903.1 from HUD.gov.
  Example: If a landlord refuses to rent to you because you have children, you would fill out this form online or mail it to HUD detailing what happened.

Where Are Complaints Heard?

While Alabama does not have a specific state administrative housing board, HUD is the primary body handling housing discrimination complaints. You can also find help at the HUD Birmingham Field Office or consult their Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity for more details.

Relevant Tenancy Legislation in Alabama

• Federal Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968)
• Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (for general rental rights and responsibilities)

For a detailed explanation of renter rights and complaint process in Alabama, visit the Renting in Alabama section at HUD.gov.

FAQs: Protected Classes and Fair Housing in Alabama

1. Who enforces fair housing laws for renters in Alabama?
   The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) investigates and enforces fair housing laws for Alabama renters.
2. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I have children?
   No, "familial status" (having children under 18) is a protected class under the Fair Housing Act. Landlords cannot refuse to rent for this reason.
3. Am I protected from discrimination based on sexual orientation in Alabama?
   Yes. While Alabama law does not explicitly name sexual orientation, the federal Fair Housing Act (as interpreted by HUD) includes protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
4. What should I do if I think I’m being discriminated against?
   Write down what happened, keep any documents or communication, and file a complaint with HUD as soon as possible using HUD Form 903.1.
5. Are service animals or support animals allowed under fair housing laws?
   Yes. Landlords must make reasonable accommodations for renters with disabilities, including allowing service or support animals, even in "no pets" buildings.

Summary: Know Your Rights and Take Action

• Federal law protects renters in Alabama from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and familial status.
• Alabama follows federal fair housing protections but does not add additional state-specific categories.
• If you believe your rights are violated, file a complaint promptly with HUD.

Understanding these protections helps you secure fair treatment and equal access to housing opportunities.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• HUD Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity: File complaints and learn your rights.
• HUD Alabama Renting Resources: Find local guidance and forms.
• HUD Birmingham Field Office: Local help and contact information.
• Alabama Attorney General – Tenant Rights: Learn about landlord-tenant responsibilities.

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1. ¹ See: Federal Fair Housing Act; Alabama Tenant Rights

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