Filing a Housing Discrimination Complaint in New Jersey

Facing discrimination from a landlord or property manager can be deeply stressful for New Jersey renters. Whether you have experienced bias based on race, disability, family status, or another protected category, state and federal laws offer powerful protections. This guide walks you through how to file a housing discrimination complaint in New Jersey, what forms you need, and which agencies can help you.

Understanding Fair Housing Protections in New Jersey

Under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) and the federal Fair Housing Act, it is illegal for landlords, property managers, or housing providers to discriminate against tenants or applicants based on protected characteristics, such as:

• Race or color
• National origin
• Religion
• Sex or gender identity
• Disability
• Familial status (e.g., having children)
• Marital status
• Source of lawful income, including rental assistance
• Sexual orientation
• Other categories as recognized by state law

If you believe you have been discriminated against when renting, applying for housing, or during your tenancy, you have the right to take action. Both the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) accept complaints.

How to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint

Filing a complaint can protect your rights and help hold housing providers accountable. Here are the steps most New Jersey renters will follow:

Step 1: Gather Documentation

Collect all evidence related to the discrimination, such as:

• Emails, texts, or letters with the landlord or property manager
• Rental listings or advertisements
• Notes of conversations, including dates and names
• Photos or other relevant documents

Step 2: Choose Where to File

You can file at the state or federal level, but you do not need to do both. The most common options are:

• New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) (file a complaint online or download forms)
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

The DCR is the New Jersey authority for enforcing the Law Against Discrimination. HUD investigates at the federal level.

Step 3: Submit the Official Complaint Form

For complaints in New Jersey, use:

• Form: Division on Civil Rights Discrimination Complaint Form
  When to use: File this form if you believe your housing rights under the LAD have been violated. For example, if you are denied an apartment because you use a housing voucher.
  How to use: Complete the form online (preferred) or print, fill out, and mail or deliver to the DCR office. Attach supporting evidence if available.
• HUD Form 903 Online Complaint – Submit via HUD’s website (For federal complaints).
  When to use: If you suspect a violation of the federal Fair Housing Act, you may file this form. Example: You are told a property is "no children"—which is not allowed except for certain senior housing.
  How to use: Fill out and submit online or contact HUD’s regional office.

Step 4: Await Investigation

After you file, DCR or HUD will review your claim, contact you for more details if needed, and notify the other party (landlord or management company). Investigations may include interviews, document review, or attempts at mediation.

Step 5: Outcomes

If discrimination is found, remedies may include requiring the landlord to rent to you, monetary damages, or changes to rental policies. If the agency does not find evidence of discrimination, you may still have other legal options to explore.

Your Rights: Protections and Laws

New Jersey’s primary housing discrimination law is the Law Against Discrimination (N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq.). This law offers robust protections and is enforced by the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights. Federal protections stem from the Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968). These laws prohibit most forms of discrimination in renting, leasing, or selling residential properties.

FAQ: Filing Housing Discrimination Complaints in New Jersey

1. How long do I have to file a housing discrimination complaint in New Jersey?
   In most cases, you have 180 days from the alleged act of discrimination to file with the DCR. HUD allows up to one year for federal complaints.
2. Will my landlord know if I file a complaint?
   Yes, the housing provider will be notified of the complaint as part of the investigation, and both sides can share information.
3. What if I experience retaliation after filing a complaint?
   Retaliation, such as eviction or harassment, for filing a discrimination complaint is illegal under state and federal law. You can report retaliation to DCR or HUD.
4. Can I have someone help me fill out the forms?
   Yes, you may get help from advocacy organizations, the DCR, or an attorney if you have questions or need assistance completing the complaint form.
5. What happens if there’s no evidence of discrimination?
   If the agency determines there isn’t enough evidence, your case may not move forward, but you may still pursue other remedies, including a private lawsuit.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• New Jersey law strongly protects renters from housing discrimination based on many personal characteristics.
• File complaints promptly—generally within 180 days—with the Division on Civil Rights or HUD.
• Keep all documentation and consider seeking support from official agencies or legal aid.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (File a Complaint page)
• DCR Online Complaint Portal
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
• New Jersey Department of Community Affairs – Rental Assistance & Tenant Help
• Text of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination

---

1. New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq.)
2. Federal Fair Housing Act, U.S. Department of Justice
3. New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (Official Tribunal)
4. Division on Civil Rights Discrimination Complaint Form – New Jersey
5. HUD Fair Housing Discrimination Complaint Form

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