Filing a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Arizona

If you think your landlord or a housing provider has treated you unfairly due to your race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, or family status, Arizona law may protect you. Understanding your rights and how to report possible housing discrimination can empower you as a renter in Arizona. This article guides you step-by-step through the legal complaint process, explains which official forms to use, and connects you directly to government resources for support.

What Counts as Housing Discrimination in Arizona?

Housing discrimination occurs when a landlord or property manager treats you differently or denies you housing based on protected characteristics under the federal Fair Housing Act and Arizona law. In Arizona, the law covers:

• Race or color
• National origin
• Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
• Religion
• Disability
• Familial status (having children under 18)

Examples include refusing to rent, setting different rental terms, or denying reasonable accommodations for a disability.

Which Laws Protect Arizona Renters?

Arizona renters are protected from discrimination by both the federal Fair Housing Act and the Arizona Fair Housing Act (Arizona Revised Statutes Title 41, Chapter 9). The Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (A.R.S. Title 33, Chapter 10) also provides protections for renters regarding their tenancy and rights.

Where To File a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Arizona

The Arizona Attorney General’s Office Civil Rights Division handles housing discrimination complaints. If you think your rights have been violated, you can file a complaint there. Complaints may also be filed with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), but starting at the state level is often quickest.

Official Tribunal/Board: Arizona Attorney General’s Civil Rights Division (AG CRD)

How to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint

The process is designed to be straightforward for renters. Here are the steps:

• Gather details: Write down the dates, names, and what happened.
• Collect evidence: Save emails, messages, or notices connected to your complaint.
• Fill out the official Arizona Fair Housing Discrimination Complaint Form online or on paper.
• Submit your complaint to the Arizona Attorney General’s Civil Rights Division.

Which Official Form Should I Use?

You will use the Arizona Fair Housing Discrimination Complaint Form:

• Form Name: Fair Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
• Used for: Telling the Civil Rights Division about possible housing discrimination. For example, if a landlord refuses to rent to you because of your disability, you note this on the form.
• How to File: Download from the official AG Civil Rights Division website or complete the online form. You can submit online, mail, or fax as directed on the form.

Step-by-Step: Completing and Submitting Your Complaint

• Step 1: Download or open the online Fair Housing Discrimination Complaint Form.
• Step 2: Fill out your contact information, details of the discrimination, and what happened.
• Step 3: Attach copies of relevant documents (emails, notices, etc.).
• Step 4: Submit the form online or mail/fax it to the address provided at the top of the form.
• Step 5: Keep a copy for your records.

What Happens After You File?

The Civil Rights Division investigates your complaint. They may contact you for more details and could reach out to your landlord or property manager. If they find evidence of discrimination, they will try to resolve the issue. Sometimes, your case may even go before an administrative hearing.

FAQ: Housing Discrimination in Arizona

1. How long do I have to file a complaint after discrimination happens?
   You must file within one year of the discriminatory action.
2. Will my landlord know I filed a complaint?
   Yes, the landlord will be contacted as part of the investigation, but retaliation is illegal under Arizona law.
3. Is there a fee to file a housing discrimination complaint?
   No, it is free to file a complaint with the Arizona Attorney General’s Civil Rights Division.
4. What if I need help filling out the complaint form?
   You can call the Civil Rights Division for help or connect with local fair housing advocates listed below.
5. Can I be evicted for filing a discrimination complaint?
   No, retaliation by eviction or harassment is against the law in Arizona.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Arizona Attorney General Civil Rights Division – Fair Housing (Main state enforcement body)
• HUD: Federal Fair Housing Complaint Process
• Arizona Civil Rights Division Phone & Online Contact: (602) 542-5263 / (877) 491-5742 (Toll Free)
• Arizona Fair Housing Act (A.R.S. Title 41, Chapter 9)
• Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
• Arizona Housing Coalition (Advocacy and support for renters)

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1. Arizona Attorney General Civil Rights Division – Fair Housing
2. Arizona Fair Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF)
3. Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (A.R.S. Title 33, Chapter 10)
4. Arizona Fair Housing Act (A.R.S. Title 41, Chapter 9)
5. Federal Fair Housing Act

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