Filing a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Minnesota

Facing housing discrimination as a renter in Minnesota can be stressful and confusing. Thankfully, state and federal laws protect your right to fair housing. If you believe you've been discriminated against by a landlord, property manager, or housing provider—because of your race, religion, disability, family status, or another protected characteristic—there are clear steps you can take to file a complaint and seek help.

What Qualifies as Housing Discrimination in Minnesota?

Housing discrimination means being denied, limited, or unfairly treated in the sale, rental, or occupancy of housing because of protected characteristics such as:

• Race or color
• Religion
• National origin
• Sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity)
• Disability
• Familial status (having children)
• Marital status, age, receipt of public assistance (specific to Minnesota law)

These protections come from the federal Fair Housing Act and the Minnesota Human Rights Act.¹

Where to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) is the main agency handling housing discrimination complaints in the state. You can also file federally with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) if you prefer.

Tribunal Handling Tenant Complaints

Minnesota renters can also assert their rights through local courts, but the primary civil rights authority is the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, which investigates and resolves cases of discrimination.

Key Housing Discrimination Complaint Forms

• MDHR Charge of Discrimination Form
  File a Complaint Online
  When to use: Use this form if you believe you have been discriminated against in housing in Minnesota. For example, if your landlord refuses your application because you have young children, you can submit this form online or by mail.
  Download the PDF Complaint Form
• HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (Form 903)
  Download HUD Form 903
  When to use: If you want to file your complaint at the federal level, you can use HUD's form. For instance, if your case crosses state lines or includes multiple parties, this might be appropriate. The online HUD system is also available: Submit a HUD Complaint Online.

Both agencies coordinate, so you only need to file with one—the other will be notified if necessary.

How to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint

Here are the main steps if you’re a Minnesota renter who wants to file a complaint:

• Gather details: Record names, dates, addresses, and what happened.
• Complete the MDHR Charge of Discrimination Form or HUD Form 903.
• Submit your complaint within one year of the alleged discrimination (preferably as early as possible).
• After submission, cooperate with any follow-up calls, interviews, or requests for documents from the agency.

The agency will investigate. If they find evidence of unlawful housing discrimination, they may work to resolve the matter through conciliation, or refer it for a hearing or court action.

Practical Example

If you believe your landlord denied your rental application because of your disability, you can fill out the MDHR Charge of Discrimination Form online, or print and mail it, providing as much specific information as possible. The human rights investigator may contact you for more information or documents.

Understanding Your Rights: Key Laws Protecting Minnesota Renters

Residential tenants are protected both by federal rules and the Minnesota Human Rights Act as well as general landlord-tenant law in Chapter 504B of the Minnesota Statutes. These laws cover:

• Prohibition of discriminatory advertising or rental decision-making
• Reasonable accommodations for renters with disabilities
• Retaliation against tenants for exercising their rights is also illegal

For more details, see the full text of the Minnesota Human Rights Act and the Minnesota Landlord and Tenant Law.²

FAQs About Filing Housing Discrimination Complaints

1. What is the deadline to file a discrimination complaint?
   You should file your complaint within one year of the alleged housing discrimination in Minnesota.
2. Can my landlord retaliate if I file a complaint?
   No, retaliation by your landlord for filing a fair housing complaint is illegal under state and federal law.
3. Do I need a lawyer to file a housing discrimination complaint?
   No. You do not need a lawyer to file; the process is designed to be accessible for all renters.
4. Will my case be kept confidential?
   MDHR keeps all complaint information confidential as required by law during the investigation.
5. What happens after I file?
   MDHR or HUD will investigate. You may be asked for more information, and the agency will work to resolve the complaint through investigation or formal proceedings.

Key Takeaways for Minnesota Renters

• You have the right to file a complaint if you believe you've faced housing discrimination.
• State and federal laws strongly protect your fair housing rights.
• File promptly and keep all supporting documents for your case.

Knowing your options and acting quickly helps protect your rights and those of others.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Minnesota Department of Human Rights – Housing Discrimination Resources: FAQs and support for renters
• Phone: 651-539-1100 | Email: info.mdhr@state.mn.us
• HUD Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity: Federal level support and complaint process
• LawHelpMN: Minnesota Housing Laws: Plain-language legal guides

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1. See Minnesota Human Rights Act, Section 363A.09 and Federal Fair Housing Act.
2. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B – Landlord and Tenant Law

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