Filing a Disability Discrimination Claim as a DC Renter

Living with a disability shouldn’t mean facing unfair treatment in your home. The District of Columbia has strong protections for renters with disabilities. If you feel you’ve been discriminated against by your landlord because of your disability, you have the right to take action. Here, we’ll explain your rights as a DC renter, which forms to use, and the steps to file a disability discrimination claim—all in plain language.

Understanding Your Disability Rights as a DC Renter

The District of Columbia protects renters with disabilities through the DC Human Rights Act and the federal Fair Housing Act. Landlords may not refuse to rent, make housing unavailable, or deny reasonable accommodations because of a disability.^[1]

• Reasonable accommodation: Changes to rules, policies, or services to give equal opportunity (e.g., accessible parking, service animals)
• Reasonable modification: Physical changes to the property for accessibility (e.g., grab bars)

Signs of Disability Discrimination in Housing

Examples of possible disability discrimination in rental housing include:

• A landlord refusing to allow a service animal or emotional support animal
• Denying a reasonable request for a ramp or accessible mailbox
• Charging higher rent or deposits because of your disability
• Failure to respond to requests for accommodation

How to File a Disability Discrimination Complaint in DC

If you believe your rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with the District of Columbia Office of Human Rights (OHR). OHR is the official agency responsible for enforcing DC’s discrimination laws.

Step-by-Step: Filing Your Complaint

• Step 1: Gather documentation. Collect any emails, letters, or notes showing what happened, including your requests and your landlord’s replies.
• Step 2: Complete the official complaint form. Use the OHR Intake/Complaint Form. This form asks about your personal details, your landlord, and what happened. For example, if your landlord rejected your request for a service animal, describe that in the form.
• Step 3: File your form with OHR. You can submit the form online, by mail, email, fax, or in person. File within one year of the incident to be eligible for investigation.
• Step 4: Participate in the investigation process. OHR may ask you and your landlord for more information. They might offer mediation to help resolve the issue, or OHR could investigate further.

If you have trouble completing the form or need extra support, contact OHR’s intake office for assistance—they are there to help.

Which Forms You Need

• OHR Intake/Complaint Form: Use this form to start your discrimination claim. Access the Intake/Complaint Form.
  • Example: If your landlord refuses to add a ramp for your wheelchair, describe this denial and your need for accommodation directly on the form.

Where Is Your Claim Decided?

In DC, the Office of Human Rights (OHR) investigates and decides these complaints. If unresolved, the DC Commission on Human Rights may conduct hearings or issue orders.

After Filing: What Happens?

After your complaint is filed, OHR will:

• Contact you for more details if needed
• Invite you and your landlord to try mediation
• Investigate the complaint if mediation isn’t successful
• Issue findings and possible orders if discrimination is found

This process can take several months, but help and guidance are available.

FAQ: Disability Discrimination Claims for DC Renters

1. What counts as a reasonable accommodation? A reasonable accommodation may be a change to a rule or service to make your rental accessible, such as allowing a service animal or providing a reserved parking space.
2. Are there fees to file a discrimination complaint in DC? No, there are no fees for tenants to file a disability discrimination claim with the DC Office of Human Rights.
3. Can a landlord ask for proof of my disability? Landlords can request verification that you have a disability and need an accommodation, but they cannot ask for detailed medical records.
4. Is there a time limit to file my claim? Yes, your complaint must be filed within one year of the last act of discrimination.
5. Will my landlord be told about my complaint? Yes, OHR notifies the landlord and invites them to respond, but retaliation for filing is illegal.

Key Takeaways

• DC law and federal law both protect renters with disabilities from housing discrimination.
• If you believe you’ve been discriminated against, file a complaint with the DC Office of Human Rights using their official form.
• Keep copies of all communication and act quickly—claims must usually be filed within one year.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• DC Office of Human Rights - File a Complaint: Official discrimination complaint resources and online filing options
• Contact the DC Office of Human Rights: Phone: (202) 727-4559 | TTY: 711
• DC Department of Housing and Community Development – Know Your Renter Rights
• DC Human Rights Act (summary and full text)

---

1. See: DC Human Rights Act, Title 2, Chapter 14; U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - HUD Complaint Process.
2. Forms and instructions: DC OHR: File a Discrimination Complaint

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