Filing a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Louisiana

Are you a renter in Louisiana facing possible housing discrimination? Every resident has the right to fair treatment in housing, whether renting an apartment, house, or mobile home. If you believe you've been treated unfairly because of your race, color, religion, sex, national origin, family status, or disability, you are protected by Louisiana and federal laws. Knowing how to take action is crucial—and Louisiana provides clear steps and official forms to help you file a housing discrimination complaint.

Understanding Fair Housing Rights in Louisiana

Fair housing laws protect renters from discrimination by landlords, agents, and property managers. In Louisiana, two main laws apply:

• The federal Fair Housing Act
• The Louisiana Equal Housing Opportunity Act

These laws make it illegal to deny someone housing, set different terms, or harass someone based on "protected characteristics." Protected characteristics include:

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

Who Handles Housing Discrimination Complaints in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, you may file your complaint with these official agencies:

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• Louisiana Department of Justice, Louisiana Commission on Human Rights (the state-level agency)

The Louisiana Commission on Human Rights acts as the state tribunal for housing discrimination matters. You can find more information and their contact details on the official state website.

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

Filing a complaint is straightforward and there’s no fee. Below, you’ll find action steps and official forms to guide you through the process as a Louisiana renter.

1. Gather Your Information and Evidence

• Write down details of what happened: dates, times, people involved, and specific actions
• Collect any letters, emails, texts, or written policies related to your case
• Get contact information for any possible witnesses

2. Complete the Official Housing Discrimination Complaint Form

You can file with either HUD or the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights. Consider filing with both if you’re unsure.

• HUD Form 903 - Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
  • When/How: Use this form if you want to file directly with HUD. You can submit it online, by mail, or by email. For example, if you were denied an apartment due to your disability, fill out Form 903 and send it to HUD.
• Louisiana Commission on Human Rights Complaint Form - Louisiana Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
  • When/How: Use this form for state-level complaints. Submit by mail or in-person to the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights. For instance, if you feel a landlord refused to rent to you because you have children, fill out this form for state investigation.

3. Submit Your Complaint

• HUD: File online via the HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Portal, or mail the filled PDF form to the address detailed on HUD’s official site.
• Louisiana Commission on Human Rights: Mail or deliver to:
  Louisiana Commission on Human Rights
  1001 N. 23rd St., Suite 268
  Baton Rouge, LA 70802

4. What Happens After You File?

• An investigator reviews your complaint and may contact you for more information
• Your landlord will be notified and can respond
• You may be offered mediation or conciliation to resolve the issue
• If an investigation finds discrimination occurred, you could receive remedies such as housing, monetary compensation, or policy changes

The process may take several months. You cannot be evicted or retaliated against for filing a complaint.

If you are in immediate danger of losing housing, contact legal aid or the Commission on Human Rights to discuss urgent protections.

Your Rights Under Louisiana Law

The Louisiana Equal Housing Opportunity Act ensures fair treatment for all residents. If you need to review your rights in detail, you can find full legislative information and updates through the Louisiana Legislature's Housing Laws portal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What counts as housing discrimination under Louisiana law?
   Discrimination includes being denied an apartment or lease, treated differently, harassed, or evicted because of your race, sex, religion, national origin, disability, or familial status.
2. Does it cost anything to file a housing discrimination complaint in Louisiana?
   No, there is no fee to file a complaint with either HUD or the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights.
3. How long do I have to file a housing discrimination complaint?
   You generally have up to one year from the date of the discriminatory act to file a complaint with HUD or the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights.
4. What happens if my complaint is found valid?
   If discrimination is proven, remedies can include housing, financial compensation, or changes in landlord policies.
5. Can my landlord evict me or retaliate for filing a complaint?
   No. Retaliation for filing a housing discrimination complaint is strictly prohibited by law.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• You’re legally protected from housing discrimination in Louisiana.
• Complaints can be filed for free with both state and federal agencies.
• Both the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights and HUD accept discrimination complaints.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Louisiana Commission on Human Rights – official agency for state complaints and information
• HUD Fair Housing Complaint Office – federal online complaint submission and guidance
• Southeast Louisiana Legal Services – free or low-cost legal help for renters

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1. Louisiana Equal Housing Opportunity Act (La. R.S. 51:2601 et seq.)
2. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Fair Housing
3. Louisiana Commission on Human Rights (Official State Board)
4. Louisiana Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
5. HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form 903

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