How to Report Housing Discrimination in New Jersey

Every renter in New Jersey has the right to fair and equal access to housing, regardless of their background. If you believe you’ve faced discrimination from a landlord or housing provider, it’s important to know that there are legal protections and agencies ready to help. This article explains how fair housing testing works, which New Jersey enforcement agencies to contact, and the step-by-step process to file a complaint under state and federal law.

What Is Housing Discrimination?

Housing discrimination occurs when a landlord or housing provider treats you unfairly due to your race, religion, sex, disability, family status, national origin, or other legally protected characteristics. Both federal law (the Fair Housing Act) and New Jersey’s Law Against Discrimination make such actions illegal. Examples include being denied an apartment, quoted different rental terms, or harassed because of who you are.

How Fair Housing Testing Works

Fair housing testing uses trained individuals or agencies to pose as renters, checking whether landlords are treating applicants differently based on protected characteristics. These tests can uncover patterns of discrimination even if they aren’t obvious.

• Testers may call or visit to inquire about rentals
• They compare responses given to people with different backgrounds
• Agencies use this information to enforce fair housing laws

Testing is a tool used by advocacy groups and government agencies to support formal investigations and provide evidence for legal action.

Main Agencies for Fair Housing Testing and Enforcement in New Jersey

Several official agencies help protect your rights and investigate complaints:

• New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR): Handles most state-level housing discrimination complaints and conducts investigations.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Processes complaints under the federal Fair Housing Act.
• New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA): Provides renter resources, but does not process discrimination complaints directly.

Filing a Housing Discrimination Complaint in New Jersey

If you believe your rights have been violated, you can file a formal complaint. The process is straightforward and free. Here are the details on how it works:

Official Complaint Forms and How to Use Them

• DCR Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (Division on Civil Rights)
  Download the official DCR complaint form (No form number). Use this form if you live in New Jersey and want to report a housing provider or landlord for discrimination.
  Example: If you were denied a rental because you have children, you can fill out this form and submit it to the DCR by email or mail. Full instructions are provided on the form.
• HUD Form 903 Online Housing Discrimination Complaint
  File your complaint online with HUD using HUD Form 903. Use this form if you want federal authorities to handle your complaint — for example, if it involves violations of the federal Fair Housing Act.
  Example: If you were denied a reasonable modification for your disability, you can use this form to alert HUD.

Steps to File a Complaint

Taking action promptly helps you protect your rights. Here is a summary of the key steps:

• Decide if you want to file with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights, HUD, or both.
• Complete the correct form:
• For state cases: DCR Complaint Form
• For federal cases: HUD Form 903
• Gather any evidence (emails, text messages, witness names, leases)
• Submit your completed form (by mail, online, or email)
• Follow up with the agency for updates on your case

After you file, the agency may contact you for more information or conduct its own investigation (including fair housing testing).

What Happens After Filing?

The enforcing agency (such as DCR or HUD) will review your complaint and may investigate further. This could include interviewing witnesses, reviewing documents, and conducting its own tests. If discrimination is found, the agency can order remedies such as compensation, changes in rental policies, or penalties for the housing provider.

Which Tribunal Handles Hearings?

Formal hearings for state law violations are held by the New Jersey Office of Administrative Law. They review evidence and decide outcomes in contested cases.

Relevant Legislation

• New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq.): This state law protects renters from a broad range of discrimination.
• Federal Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968): National protections for renters and home seekers.

1. What agencies test or enforce fair housing in New Jersey?
   Both the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights and HUD actively investigate and test for fair housing law violations, often with the help of trained testers and local advocacy organizations.
2. How do I file a complaint if I was discriminated against looking for housing?
   Complete the official DCR Housing Discrimination Complaint Form for state enforcement or HUD Form 903 for federal action, and submit it with supporting evidence.
3. What happens after my complaint is submitted?
   The responding agency may investigate further, conduct interviews, request documents, and may arrange settlement or a hearing if needed.
4. Can I get help filling out the forms?
   Yes, the DCR and HUD both offer support by phone or online, and can help you understand or complete the paperwork.
5. What laws protect me from discrimination as a renter in New Jersey?
   New Jersey Law Against Discrimination and the federal Fair Housing Act ensure your right to equality when seeking or staying in housing.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) – File complaints or get in-person/phone support
• HUD Fair Housing Information – File online complaints and learn about federal protections
• NJDCR Service Request Form – For additional guidance and accessibility help
• New Jersey Office of Administrative Law – Information about hearings for unresolved cases

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1. New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq.)
2. Federal Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968)
3. New Jersey Division on Civil Rights
4. HUD Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Complaint Process
5. New Jersey Office of Administrative Law

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