What is considered discriminatory screening in DC?

Discriminatory screening happens when a landlord treats you differently or denies you housing based on protected traits like race, disability, or income source, rather than your actual qualifications.

How long do I have to file a fair housing complaint in DC?

You generally have one year from the date of discrimination to file with the DC Office of Human Rights.

Can DC landlords deny me because I use a housing voucher?

No, the District of Columbia bans landlords from discriminating against renters who use housing vouchers or other lawful sources of income.

Will my landlord know if I file a discrimination complaint?

Your information is kept confidential during investigations. Landlords cannot retaliate against you for asserting your fair housing rights.

What documents support a discrimination complaint?

Collect application forms, emails, written records, and witness details to strengthen your case.

Proving Discriminatory Tenant Screening in DC

Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws District of Columbia published: June 21, 2025

It’s illegal for landlords in the District of Columbia to deny you rental housing or treat you differently because of your race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, or other protected traits. If you suspect a landlord used unfair screening practices, you have powerful rights and ways to take action under DC’s fair housing laws and federal protections. This guide explains, in clear terms, how to gather proof and where to turn for support.

What Counts as Discriminatory Screening?

Discriminatory screening is when a landlord applies different criteria or standards to you, or denies you an apartment, because of a protected characteristic. In DC, the District of Columbia Human Rights Act and federal Fair Housing Act protect renters during the application process from discrimination based on:

Race, color, national origin
Religion
Sex, gender identity, sexual orientation
Disability
Age, marital status, family responsibilities
Source of income (such as housing vouchers)
Personal appearance, political affiliation, and more

Examples might include a landlord:

Rejecting your application but approving others with the same credit or rental history
Asking questions or setting standards only for certain groups
Refusing reasonable accommodations due to disability

Steps to Prove Discriminatory Practices

Proving discrimination requires gathering specific evidence that shows you were treated unfairly because of a protected characteristic, and not for legitimate reasons. DC’s Office of Human Rights (OHR) is the main agency that investigates rental discrimination.

Collect Evidence

Start by keeping detailed records any time you believe you were treated differently:

Save application forms, emails, and texts with the landlord or agent
Write down dates and details of what was said or done
Get names and contact info of any witnesses
Keep notes of how other applicants were treated or any policy differences

Testing or Comparison

Sometimes, discrimination is shown by comparing how people of different backgrounds are treated. For example, two people submit similar applications but only one is accepted. Advocacy organizations or DC’s Office of Human Rights may help with testing if you need it.

Official Forms and How to File a Complaint

If you believe you have faced unlawful screening discrimination, you can file a formal complaint. Here’s how this works in DC:

OHR Human Rights Complaint Form (no formal number):
When & How to Use: File this with DC’s Office of Human Rights if you experienced discrimination by a landlord, building manager, realtor, or screening company. You must usually file within one year of the event.
Example: You were denied an apartment after mentioning you use a housing voucher, while others were accepted.
Official OHR Complaint Form and Filing Instructions

Tip: Save your filled complaint, correspondence, and any confirmation numbers you receive from OHR for your records.

The Tribunal or Agency Handling Claims

The main tribunal for investigating and resolving tenant discrimination complaints in DC is the District of Columbia Office of Human Rights (OHR). They will review your complaint, investigate, and may request documents or interviews. If unresolved, cases may be referred to the DC Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH).

The most important DC legislation is the District of Columbia Human Rights Act^[1], which details all protected classes and prohibits housing discrimination.

How to File a Discrimination Complaint: Step-by-Step

Gather written evidence, communications, and witness information
Go to the OHR complaint portal or download their form
Describe what happened, including dates, people involved, and how you were treated differently
Submit the form online, in person, or by mail
Respond to OHR’s follow-up requests for information
Attend an interview or mediation session if requested

OHR will contact you with updates and let you know if you need to provide more evidence.

FAQ: Discriminatory Screening in DC Rentals

What is considered discriminatory screening in DC?
Any decision to deny, delay, or treat you differently as a renter based on a protected characteristic—like race, disability, or voucher use—rather than your actual qualifications.
How long do I have to file a complaint?
You usually have one year from the date you experienced the discrimination to file a complaint with OHR.
Can a landlord deny me based on my income source?
No. DC bans discrimination against renters with housing vouchers, Social Security, disability payments, or other lawful income sources.
Will filing a complaint affect my current or future rental?
It’s illegal for a landlord to retaliate against you for asserting your rights, including filing a discrimination complaint.
What documents will help my case?
Keep all application paperwork, communications, notes of what happened, and witness statements if available.

Key Takeaways

If you suspect housing discrimination in tenant screening, immediately start gathering written evidence
DC’s Office of Human Rights is your first stop to file a formal complaint—use their official forms and stay within the one-year timeline
Discrimination based on race, disability, source of income, and many other traits is strictly illegal in DC rentals

Need Help? Resources for Renters

District of Columbia Office of Human Rights (OHR): File complaints or ask questions about your rights
Office of the Tenant Advocate (OTA): Renter advocacy, advice, and support for DC tenants
DC Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH): Handles legal hearings related to rental discrimination and other housing disputes
District of Columbia Human Rights Act: Full Legislation
General fair housing info: HUD Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity