Filing a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Mississippi

If you’re a renter in Mississippi and believe you’ve experienced housing discrimination, it’s important to know your rights and the clear steps you can take. Filing a complaint gives you a way to stand up for fair housing and can help address discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or family status.

Understanding Housing Discrimination in Mississippi

Federal law, through the Fair Housing Act, and Mississippi law, as outlined in the Mississippi Fair Housing Act, protect renters and home seekers from illegal discrimination. Landlords, property managers, and even real estate agents must comply with these laws.

• Denying a rental application because of your race, religion, sex, disability, or family status
• Harassing you or treating you differently than other tenants for discriminatory reasons
• Refusing reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities

Mississippi does not have a dedicated state-level housing tribunal. Instead, complaints are handled federally by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and by the Mississippi Fair Housing Division within the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, which investigates and enforces state fair housing laws.

When Can You File a Fair Housing Complaint?

If you suspect your landlord, property manager, or housing provider violated your rights under the Fair Housing Act or Mississippi Fair Housing Act, you should consider filing a complaint. Some examples include:

• Denied housing after revealing you have children
• A landlord refuses to allow a service animal despite having documentation of your disability
• Verbal harassment with racial slurs or threats

How to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Mississippi

The main process for Mississippi renters involves submitting a complaint to either HUD or the Mississippi Fair Housing Division. You do not need a lawyer to file a complaint. There is no fee for submitting a fair housing complaint.

Official HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form

• Form Name: Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (HUD-903.1)
• When to Use: Use this form if you believe your fair housing rights have been violated by a landlord, property manager, or housing provider. For example, if you are denied a rental because of your nationality.
• How to Use: Fill out the form with details about the property, the date of the incident, and the people involved. You may submit this online, by mail, email, or phone.
• Access the Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (HUD-903.1) here

Filing With the Mississippi Fair Housing Division

• Contact the Mississippi Fair Housing Division directly for state-level assistance.
• While there is no separate official Mississippi-only form, the division may assist you in using the HUD form or guide you through their intake process.

Key Steps for Mississippi Renters

• Gather evidence: Save emails, messages, photos, or documents related to the discrimination.
• Fill out the HUD-903.1 Form or use the online HUD complaint portal.
• Submit your complaint: Send it online, by mail, or call 1-800-669-9777. Mississippi residents can also contact the state Fair Housing Division for support.
• Wait for an investigation: After your complaint is filed, an investigator may contact you for more details.

What Happens After You File?

HUD or the Mississippi Fair Housing Division will review your complaint and may investigate by interviewing both you and the housing provider. If they find evidence of discrimination, they can help resolve the situation through settlement or take legal action.

Relevant Housing Laws in Mississippi

Mississippi renters are protected by the Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and the Mississippi Fair Housing Act. Federal protections come from the U.S. Fair Housing Act.^[1]

FAQ: Mississippi Housing Discrimination Complaint

1. Can I file a housing discrimination complaint anonymously?
   HUD requires your contact information to investigate, but your identity is kept confidential during the process.
2. How long do I have to file a complaint?
   You must file your housing discrimination complaint within one year of the alleged discriminatory act for HUD to investigate.
3. What happens if my landlord retaliates?
   The law prohibits retaliation against tenants for filing a complaint. If retaliation occurs, it’s also a violation and you should report it to HUD or the Fair Housing Division.
4. Do I need an attorney to file a complaint?
   No, you do not need an attorney to file a housing discrimination complaint in Mississippi. The process is designed to be accessible to everyone.
5. What outcomes can result from a successful complaint?
   Possible results include a settlement agreement, policy changes by the housing provider, or in serious cases, damages awarded or legal actions taken.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• HUD Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity – Main federal office handling complaints
• Mississippi Fair Housing Division – State-level assistance and complaint intake
• Mississippi Secretary of State – Landlord-Tenant Information
• Mississippi Center for Justice – Call (601) 352-2269 for advice on tenant issues
• HUD Fair Housing Complaint Hotline: 1-800-669-9777

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1. U.S. Fair Housing Act (official site)
2. Mississippi Fair Housing Act (official text)
3. Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

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