Filing a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Oregon

If you believe you're experiencing housing discrimination as a renter in Oregon, it’s vital to know your rights and the steps you can take to protect yourself. Oregon law prohibits housing discrimination based on factors such as race, national origin, disability, sex, family status, and more. Understanding how to file a complaint can help ensure fair treatment and equal access to housing.

Understanding Housing Discrimination in Oregon

Housing discrimination occurs when landlords or property managers treat renters unfairly due to protected characteristics like race, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, familial status, marital status, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Both federal and Oregon state laws prohibit this type of discrimination.

In Oregon, the official agency responsible for enforcing fair housing laws is the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) Civil Rights Division.

Your Rights Under Oregon Law

Under the Oregon Fair Housing Act (ORS Chapter 659A) and the federal Fair Housing Act, you have the right to equal treatment in housing. Landlords cannot refuse to rent, limit your housing options, set different terms, or harass you because you are part of a protected class.

• Discriminatory advertising: Language in rental ads suggesting preference or limitation based on protected class.
• Denying reasonable accommodations: Refusing modifications for renters with disabilities.
• Differential treatment: Applying policies inconsistently for different applicants or tenants.

If you believe your rights have been violated, you can file an official complaint through the appropriate agency.

How to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Oregon

Filing a discrimination complaint can help enforce your rights and potentially correct the issue. You can submit your complaint with both Oregon BOLI and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Here's a breakdown of the process and the official forms you’ll need.

Official Oregon Complaint Form

• Form Name: BOLI Civil Rights Complaint Form
• How It’s Used: Use this form to report unlawful housing practices under Oregon law. The form can be filed online or mailed to BOLI.
• Where to Get It: File a Civil Rights Complaint (BOLI) - official portal

Example: If a landlord refuses your rental application because of your disability or family status, complete the BOLI Civil Rights Complaint Form describing what happened and submit it online.

Federal Complaint Form (HUD)

• Form Name: HUD Form 903 Online Complaint or PDF
• How It’s Used: Report housing discrimination covered by federal law to HUD. You can file online or mail/fax the PDF version.
• Where to Get It: HUD Discrimination Complaint Portal

Example: If your landlord posts an ad with language like “No families with kids,” file a HUD complaint using this form.

Step-by-Step: Filing Your Complaint

Follow these steps to make sure your complaint is submitted correctly and promptly.

• Review your rights under the Oregon Fair Housing Act.
• Document all incidents, including dates, times, names, and communications.
• Fill out either the BOLI or HUD complaint form (or both).
• Submit your form online, by email, mail, or fax as directed on each agency's site.
• Respond promptly to any follow-up questions or requests for information from the agency.

What Happens After You File?

After submission:

• Your complaint is reviewed by an investigator at the agency.
• The agency may contact you and the landlord for more info.
• Mediation or conciliation may be offered as a resolution option.
• If discrimination is found, remedies could include monetary compensation, changes in housing policies, or other relief.

Summary: Filing is confidential and retaliation by the landlord is strictly prohibited by law.

Official Tribunal for Housing Disputes in Oregon

If disputes continue or you need to enforce housing rights, cases may be handled by the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) or reached through the Oregon judicial court system. BOLI investigates discrimination and enforces penalties under state law.

FAQ: Filing a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Oregon

1. Who is protected by Oregon’s fair housing laws?
   Oregon law protects renters from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, disability, familial status, and source of income.
2. How long do I have to file a housing discrimination complaint in Oregon?
   You generally have one year from the date of the alleged violation to file a complaint with BOLI or HUD.
3. Can I file a complaint with both BOLI and HUD?
   Yes, you can file complaints with both agencies; they may coordinate investigations depending on your situation.
4. Is my landlord allowed to retaliate if I file a complaint?
   No. Landlords may not retaliate against you for exercising your legal rights or filing a complaint.
5. Do I need an attorney to file a housing discrimination complaint?
   No, legal representation is not required, but you may seek advice from local legal aid organizations if you need help.

Key Takeaways for Oregon Renters

• Oregon law protects renters from housing discrimination based on many characteristics.
• File complaints promptly with BOLI and/or HUD using official online forms.
• Your complaint triggers an investigation and can lead to remedies if discrimination is proven.

Taking action is confidential and ensures your right to fair housing is respected.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Oregon BOLI Civil Rights Division – Housing Rights: Official site to file complaints and read guidance.
• U.S. HUD Fair Housing Complaint Process: Federal information and the online complaint portal.
• Oregon Fair Housing Act (ORS 659A): Full text of Oregon's fair housing laws.
• Oregon Law Help: Free legal resources and self-help information.

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1. Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries – Housing Discrimination
2. Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 659A
3. HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form 903
4. Federal Fair Housing Act

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