Filing a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Massachusetts

If you’re a renter in Massachusetts and believe you’ve experienced housing discrimination, you have important rights and clear steps you can take to protect yourself. Massachusetts provides strong protections against housing discrimination for renters, including clear complaint procedures and official support through state agencies. Following the correct process can help you address your concerns and seek fair treatment.

Understanding Housing Discrimination in Massachusetts

Housing discrimination means being treated unfairly when renting or buying a home because of certain protected characteristics. In Massachusetts, it is illegal for landlords, property managers, or real estate agents to discriminate based on:

• Race or color
• National origin
• Religion
• Sex or gender
• Disability or handicap status
• Marital status
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity
• Age
• Children/familial status
• Veteran or military status
• Source of income (e.g., Section 8 vouchers)

These protections come from both federal law (the Fair Housing Act) and state law (Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 151B ^[1]).

Where to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) is the main state agency that investigates and enforces housing discrimination complaints. You can also file complaints with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and, if your city has one, a local human rights commission.

Available Complaint Forms and How to Use Them

• MCAD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form – Used to report discrimination in housing. Fill this out if your landlord, property manager, or an agent has treated you unfairly based on a protected class.
  Download the MCAD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form.
  Example: If you were denied an apartment after disclosing that you have children, you would use this form to make your complaint to MCAD.
• HUD Form 903 Online Complaint Form – If you prefer, you may also file with the federal government using the HUD Discrimination Complaint Portal.
  Example: If a rental ad says “no children” or a landlord refuses to make a reasonable accommodation for a disability, this online form lets you alert the government directly.

You don’t need a lawyer to file a complaint, but clear, specific information strengthens your case. Always keep copies of all paperwork and communications.

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

Filing a complaint is free, and there are helpful agencies ready to guide you through the process. Here’s how most renters should proceed:

• Gather evidence (texts, emails, lease documents, witness names, etc.)
• Fill out the MCAD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
• Submit the completed form in person, by mail, or online to the MCAD
• Optionally, file a complaint with HUD (federal) as well
• MCAD will review your complaint and may contact you for more details
• If MCAD finds probable cause, the case may go to mediation or a public hearing

If you’re not sure what counts as discrimination, or what paperwork you need, it’s okay to contact MCAD or an advocacy group for free advice. They are there to help you navigate these steps.

What Happens After You File the Complaint?

MCAD will contact the person or company you complained about, investigate the situation, and may try to resolve the issue through mediation. If an agreement can’t be reached, your case could go to a hearing, where MCAD decides if discrimination occurred and orders remedies, such as compensation or changes in housing policies.

Key Laws Protecting Massachusetts Renters

• Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 151B: State anti-discrimination laws for housing^[1]
• Federal Fair Housing Act: National housing discrimination protections^[2]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long do I have to file a housing discrimination complaint in Massachusetts?
   Generally, you must file your complaint with MCAD within 300 days of the alleged discrimination.
2. Is there a fee to file a housing discrimination complaint?
   No. Filing a discrimination complaint with MCAD or HUD is completely free for renters.
3. Can my landlord retaliate against me for filing a complaint?
   No. State law protects you from retaliation for asserting your fair housing rights.
4. Do I need an attorney to file a complaint?
   No. You can file on your own, but you may consult with legal aid or an advocacy group if you want help.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• Massachusetts renters are protected by state and federal fair housing laws.
• Filing a housing discrimination complaint is free, straightforward, and can be done online, by mail, or in person.
• Help is available through official agencies and advocacy organizations—don’t hesitate to reach out.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD): (617) 994-6000
• MassLegalHelp – Fair Housing: Practical guides and assistance for renters
• HUD Massachusetts Office
• Tenants’ Rights in Massachusetts – Official State Guide
• For legal assistance, consider contacting your local Legal Aid office.

---

1. M.G.L. Chapter 151B – Massachusetts Antidiscrimination Law
2. Federal Fair Housing Act

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