Proving Discriminatory Tenant Screening in Alabama

If you're a renter in Alabama who suspects a landlord has treated you unfairly during the rental application process, knowing how to prove discriminatory screening can help protect your rights. While Alabama law prohibits housing discrimination based on specific protected characteristics, proving discrimination takes preparation and an understanding of official steps. This article will walk you through the basics, how to gather evidence, use official forms, and where to turn for help.

Understanding Discriminatory Screening Practices

Discriminatory screening happens when a landlord treats applicants differently based on characteristics protected by law. In Alabama, it's illegal under the federal Fair Housing Act to discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, or familial status.

What Might Discrimination Look Like?

• Denying rental applications from people of certain races or backgrounds
• Applying stricter rules or fees to some applicants, but not others
• Steering applicants toward (or away from) specific units based on protected class
• Stating in rental ads or interviews that certain groups are not welcome

Proving discrimination requires evidence that the landlord's decisions were based on a protected characteristic—not just personal preference or standard business practice.

Your Rights Under Alabama and Federal Law

While Alabama does not have a separate state fair housing enforcement agency, Alabama renters are protected by federal laws. The Fair Housing Act covers all major discriminatory practices in housing. For day-to-day tenant/landlord relationships, Alabama's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act sets minimum standards for rental agreements and landlord obligations.^1,2

How to Prove Discriminatory Screening

Because discrimination is rarely admitted openly, renters often need to provide documentation and clear examples of different treatment. Here’s how you can build your case:

1. Document Everything

• Save emails, texts, or written communication between you and the landlord
• Take notes after in-person or phone conversations, including names, dates, and what was said
• Keep copies of your application and any materials the landlord gave you

2. Compare Treatment

• Ask if others applied for the same unit and compare your experience
• If possible, have a friend of a different background apply and see if treatment differs (this is called "testing")

3. Look for Direct or Indirect Evidence

• Direct evidence: Landlord statements or ads showing clear bias (e.g., "no children," "Christian tenants only")
• Indirect evidence: Patterns such as consistently rejecting applicants from specific groups

Filing a Complaint: Forms and Process

If you believe you’ve been treated unfairly, you can file an official complaint for investigation. In Alabama, the responsible authority is the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Their investigators will determine if discrimination occurred.

Forms and How to Use Them

• HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (Form 903) - This is the main form to officially report housing discrimination nationwide.
  • When to Use: If you believe a landlord or agent denied you housing due to a protected characteristic.
  • How to File: File online, by mail, or by phone. Attach any supporting documentation.
  • Access the HUD Form 903 and filing instructions.

What Happens Next?

• HUD will review your complaint and may contact you for more details
• If accepted, an investigation begins—HUD may interview witnesses, request documents, or try mediation
• If discrimination is found, HUD can facilitate an agreement or refer the case for legal action

For renters in Alabama, there is no state housing tribunal. Federal complaints are handled through HUD’s Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Office.

FAQ: Discriminatory Screening in Alabama

1. What is considered discriminatory screening?
   Discriminatory screening is when a landlord treats a rental applicant unfairly due to race, religion, sex, disability, or other protected traits under the Fair Housing Act.
2. Can my landlord refuse to rent to me for any reason?
   Landlords can reject applicants for business reasons (like income or credit issues), but not for discriminatory reasons protected by law.
3. What evidence will HUD accept for a complaint?
   HUD accepts written communications, texts, emails, witness statements, and patterns of unfair treatment as supporting evidence.
4. Is there a deadline to file a discrimination complaint?
   Yes. Generally, you must file your HUD complaint within one year of the alleged incident for federal protection.
5. Does Alabama have a housing board I can contact?
   No. Alabama does not have a state housing tribunal, but HUD handles fair housing complaints for Alabama residents.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• HUD Office of Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity: Step-by-step complaint process, forms, and contact info
• HUD Alabama Field Office: State-specific HUD support and assistance
• Alabama Attorney General Consumer Protection: For related tenant complaints and information
• Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

---

1. HUD - Fair Housing Act Overview
2. Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Ala. Code § 35-9A)

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations