Protected Classes and Fair Housing Rights in Mississippi

Understanding your rights as a renter in Mississippi is crucial, especially when it comes to fair housing and discrimination. Both federal and state laws exist to protect renters from unfair treatment—but knowing who and what is covered can help you identify violations and take appropriate action. This guide breaks down Mississippi’s protected classes, relevant laws, helpful forms, and the steps you can take if you believe you’ve experienced discrimination.

What Does "Protected Class" Mean in Housing?

A protected class refers to a group of people safeguarded from discrimination based on specific characteristics, especially regarding housing. Discrimination can occur if a landlord refuses to rent, raises rent, unfairly evicts, or treats someone differently because they belong to one of these groups.

Protected Classes Under Federal and Mississippi Law

Mississippi relies on the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) to define and enforce most fair housing protections. The state itself does not provide additional fair housing classes beyond the federal level. Under the FHA, it is illegal to discriminate in housing based on:

• Race
• Color
• National origin
• Religion
• Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
• Familial status (e.g., presence of children under 18)
• Disability

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) enforces these protections in Mississippi.

Examples of Housing Discrimination

• A landlord refuses to rent to a family with children.
• A property manager increases rent only for tenants of a particular race.
• Refusing a support animal for a renter with a disability.

How to Take Action if You Experience Housing Discrimination

If you believe you’ve been treated unfairly because you are part of a protected class, you can file a complaint directly with HUD. Mississippi does not have a separate state fair housing agency; instead, HUD handles complaints for the state.

Key Official Form

• HUD Form 903 Online Complaint
  When to use: File this form if you believe you have experienced housing discrimination based on the protected classes listed above. This includes issues like being denied an apartment, unfair rent increases, or harassment by a landlord.
  How to use: Complete and submit the form online. HUD will review your complaint and may investigate or offer mediation.
  Submit a Fair Housing Complaint Online (HUD)

After submitting a complaint, HUD may contact you for more information and, if warranted, begin an investigation into your case.

Relevant Tribunal or Board

Fair housing complaints in Mississippi are handled by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office for Mississippi. Mississippi does not have a state-specific housing tribunal for discrimination complaints; HUD operates as the enforcement authority.

Relevant Legislation for Renters in Mississippi

• Federal Fair Housing Act (42 U.S. Code Chapter 45)
• Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Title 89, Chapter 8) (Covers landlord-tenant relationships, but not discrimination classes)

While the Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act primarily covers leases, rent, and eviction processes, protections against discrimination rely on federal law.

FAQ: Mississippi Fair Housing Laws and Protected Classes

1. Which groups are protected from housing discrimination in Mississippi?
   Mississippi follows federal law, so you are protected from discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, and disability.
2. Does Mississippi offer any extra protections beyond federal law?
   No, Mississippi does not have additional state-specific fair housing protected classes. All enforcement comes from the federal Fair Housing Act.
3. How do I file a fair housing complaint in Mississippi?
   Submit your complaint using HUD Form 903 online through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s official portal.
4. What happens after I file a complaint with HUD?
   HUD will review your claim, may contact you for more details, and could investigate or mediate between you and your landlord if necessary.
5. Can my landlord evict me or raise my rent for making a discrimination complaint?
   No, it is illegal for a landlord to retaliate against you for exercising your fair housing rights or filing a discrimination complaint.

Key Takeaways for Mississippi Renters

• Federal law protects renters in Mississippi from discrimination based on specific characteristics.
• If you experience discrimination, file a complaint with HUD using the official online form.
• Keep detailed records of any discriminatory actions to support your case.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• HUD Fair Housing Complaint Process – Official Steps
• Find HUD Offices in Mississippi (for in-person help)
• Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Statutory Text)
• Understanding Protected Classes (HUD)

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1. 42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq. – Federal Fair Housing Act
2. HUD – File a Housing Discrimination Complaint Online
3. Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

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