Filing a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Arkansas

If you suspect you’ve experienced housing discrimination in Arkansas, it’s important to understand your protections and the steps to assert your rights. Federal and Arkansas state law prohibit discrimination based on factors like race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. This guide walks Arkansas renters through how to file a fair housing complaint, the relevant legislation, and where to find official help.

Understanding Housing Discrimination in Arkansas

In Arkansas, both federal laws (like the Fair Housing Act) and the Arkansas Fair Housing Act protect renters from discrimination in housing based on:

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

These laws apply whether you’re searching for a new home, renewing a lease, or already renting.

Your Rights: Key Laws and Who Enforces Them

• The Arkansas Fair Housing Act (Ark. Code Ann. § 16-123-201 et seq.) – The main state law protecting Arkansans from housing discrimination. Read the Arkansas Fair Housing Act.
• Fair Housing Act (federal) – Establishes the core protections nationwide. Enforced by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD Office of Fair Housing).
• Arkansas Fair Housing Commission – The official state tribunal for handling housing discrimination complaints. Visit the Arkansas Fair Housing Commission website.

Understanding who protects your rights helps ensure your complaint goes to the right place.

How to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Arkansas

There are two main options for renters facing housing discrimination in Arkansas:

• File a complaint with the Arkansas Fair Housing Commission (AFHC)
• File a complaint directly with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Both agencies investigate complaints and may try to resolve the issue through conciliation or, if needed, a hearing. Filing with one usually results in your case being referred to the appropriate agency automatically through a "dual filing" system.

Official Complaint Forms & How They’re Used

• Arkansas Fair Housing Commission Discrimination Complaint Form
  • Use this form if you believe your landlord, property manager, or seller discriminated against you based on an illegal reason (such as race, sex, disability, etc.) in Arkansas.
  • Download and complete the AFHC Complaint Intake Form (PDF).
  • Example: If a landlord refuses to rent to you after learning you have young children, fill out this form and submit it to the AFHC.
• HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (Form 903)
  • You can also submit a complaint to HUD using Form 903 if the discrimination involves a federal fair housing violation.
  • HUD Form 903 (PDF) or file online at HUD Fair Housing Discrimination Complaint online
  • Example: If you request a reasonable accommodation for a disability and are denied, you can use this form.

Step-by-Step: Filing a Complaint in Arkansas

It's important to act quickly; complaints typically must be filed within one year of the alleged discrimination.

• Complete the relevant complaint form described above.
• Attach supporting documents if you have them (e.g., emails, letters, lease agreements).
• Submit the form by mail, email, fax, or through the appropriate online portal.
• The agency will notify the respondent (e.g., landlord) and begin an investigation.
• Both sides may be offered mediation (conciliation). If unresolved, a hearing or legal proceeding can occur.

What Happens After You File?

The agency will review your claim and may contact you for more information. If there’s enough evidence, they will investigate, attempt to resolve the case, and possibly take further action, such as holding a hearing or referring the case to state or federal court. You can track the status of your complaint with the agency you filed with.

FAQ: Arkansas Housing Discrimination Complaint Process

1. What is the deadline for filing a housing discrimination complaint in Arkansas?
   Generally, you have one year from the alleged act of discrimination to file a complaint.
2. Can I file both with HUD and the Arkansas Fair Housing Commission?
   Yes, but most complaints are "dual filed," so you only need to file once for both agencies to review it.
3. Do I need evidence to file a complaint?
   You don’t need absolute proof. Submit whatever evidence you have (emails, texts, witnesses). The agency will investigate further.
4. Will my landlord know I complained?
   The agency will notify the respondent so they have a chance to respond, but retaliation for making a complaint is illegal.
5. Is housing discrimination limited only to renting?
   No, it also includes buying, selling, advertising, lending, or any part of the housing process covered by the law.

Key Takeaways

• Arkansas renters are protected under both state and federal fair housing laws.
• You can file a discrimination complaint through the Arkansas Fair Housing Commission or HUD, using official forms.
• Quick action and good documentation help strengthen your complaint.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Arkansas Fair Housing Commission – (800) 340-9108 or (501) 682-3247, info@arfairhousing.org
• HUD Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity: National information, complaint status, and guidance
• Arkansas Bar Association – Legal Help for renters who want legal advice
• File a Fair Housing Complaint Online with HUD

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1. Arkansas Fair Housing Commission official website
2. Arkansas Fair Housing Act (Ark. Code Ann. § 16-123-201 et seq.)
3. HUD Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity official site
4. Federal Fair Housing Act overview
5. Arkansas Complaint Intake Form PDF
6. HUD Form 903 PDF

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