Filing a Housing Discrimination Complaint in North Dakota

Facing discrimination can be stressful for any renter in North Dakota. If you believe you’ve been denied housing, treated unfairly, or retaliated against because of your race, religion, disability, familial status, or other protected characteristics, state and federal laws are here to help you. Knowing how to file a housing discrimination complaint empowers you to assert your rights and seek fair treatment. This guide explains what to do, what forms you need, and where to turn for support across North Dakota.

Understanding Housing Discrimination

Housing discrimination means treating a renter differently or unfairly in renting, selling, or providing housing-related services because of certain personal attributes protected by law. In North Dakota, these protected characteristics include:

• Race or color
• Religion
• National origin
• Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
• Disability
• Familial status (including children under 18)

These protections are found in both federal law (the Fair Housing Act) and state law North Dakota Human Rights Act. Examples of discrimination include refusing to rent to someone with children, charging higher deposits to people from certain backgrounds, or denying reasonable accommodation to a renter with disabilities.

Where to File a Complaint in North Dakota

As a North Dakota renter, you can file a housing discrimination complaint through two main agencies:

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) (for federal protections)
• North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights – Human Rights Division (for state law)

Official Tribunal or Board

All housing discrimination complaints under North Dakota law are handled by the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights, Human Rights Division. This agency investigates complaints, enforces the law, and oversees resolution processes for renters and landlords alike.

How to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint

Filing a complaint lets state or federal agencies investigate and act if unlawful discrimination has occurred. Here’s how the process works.

• Time Limit: Complaints must be filed within 300 days of the alleged discrimination (in North Dakota, through the Human Rights Division) or within one year (through HUD).
• What You’ll Need: Details about the incident, contact information, supporting evidence (emails, letters, lease documents, etc.), and names of people involved.

Key Official Forms and How to Use Them

• North Dakota Human Rights Complaint Intake Form
  Official Form
  Use this form to file a complaint with the North Dakota Human Rights Division. Example: If your landlord denied you an apartment because you have children, complete this form with details of the incident and submit it as explained below.
• HUD Form 903 Online Housing Discrimination Complaint
  Official HUD Complaint Portal
  Use this form if you want to file directly under federal law. For example, if you suspect discrimination based on national origin by a property manager, you can file online using this form.

Step-by-Step Action: Filing a State Housing Discrimination Complaint

• Download or request the North Dakota Human Rights Complaint Intake Form.
• Fill out the form with all requested details, including what happened, when, and who is involved.
• Attach any copies of supporting evidence (emails, letters, photos, or witness contact information).
• Submit the completed form by:
  • Mail: North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights, 600 E Boulevard Ave., Dept 406, Bismarck, ND 58505-0340
  • Email: humanrights@nd.gov
  • Fax: (701) 328-2031
• Expect an acknowledgment and possible follow-up for additional information.

Once your complaint is received, the Division may begin an investigation and may try to resolve the matter through conciliation or mediation. If discrimination is found, legal action may be taken or your case referred for a hearing.

What Happens After Filing?

Both HUD and the North Dakota Human Rights Division will review your complaint, notify the respondent (for example, the landlord), and investigate. You may be contacted for interviews or more evidence. If a violation is found, remedies can include compensation, policy changes, or orders for accommodation.

Relevant Legislation Protecting Renters

Two main laws protect North Dakota renters from discrimination:

• North Dakota Human Rights Act (N.D.C.C. Chapter 14-02.5)
• Federal Fair Housing Act

For the specifics of your rights and landlord obligations, visit the ND Human Rights Division or the HUD Fair Housing site.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the time limit to file a housing discrimination complaint in North Dakota?
   Generally, you have 300 days to file with the state Division and up to one year with HUD.
2. Is it possible to file both state and federal complaints at the same time?
   Yes, filing with one may mean your claim is "dual filed" with the other, protecting your rights under both laws.
3. What evidence should I include with my complaint?
   Include any documents, emails, texts, notes, photos, or names of witnesses that support your case.
4. Does filing a complaint cost anything for renters?
   No, there is no fee to file a housing discrimination complaint in North Dakota or with HUD.
5. Will my landlord be notified if I file a complaint?
   Yes, the respondent (usually the landlord or property manager) will be notified to give their side of the story during the investigation.

Key Takeaways for North Dakota Renters

• Discrimination in housing is illegal under both state and federal laws.
• Complaints must be filed promptly and can be submitted online, by mail, or email.
• Official agencies investigate your case and provide free support throughout the process.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights – Human Rights Division
  Email: humanrights@nd.gov | Phone: (701) 328-2660
• HUD Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
• Legal Services of North Dakota (free or low-cost legal help)
• Federal Fair Housing Act

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1. North Dakota Human Rights Act (N.D.C.C. Chapter 14-02.5)
2. North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights – Human Rights Division
3. HUD: How to File a Complaint
4. Federal Fair Housing Act

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