Filing a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Pennsylvania

If you believe you’ve experienced housing discrimination in Pennsylvania, you’re protected by both federal and state fair housing laws. Understanding how to take action can help protect your rights and ensure you have access to safe and fair housing. This guide clearly explains how Pennsylvania renters can file a complaint, which forms to use, and what to expect throughout the process.

Understanding Housing Discrimination in Pennsylvania

Housing discrimination means being treated unfairly by a landlord, property manager, or housing provider because of certain protected characteristics. In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to discriminate based on:

• Race or color
• Religion
• National origin
• Sex
• Disability
• Family status (like having children)
• Age (in Pennsylvania)
• Other local protections (some cities include sexual orientation, gender identity, etc.)

Both the federal Fair Housing Act and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act protect renters from discrimination.^[1][2]

Who Handles Housing Complaints in Pennsylvania?

If you want to pursue your complaint, you can contact the primary state agency handling residential discrimination issues: the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC). The PHRC investigates complaints of housing discrimination throughout the state.

Renters can also file complaints with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

How to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint

Here are the typical steps to file a complaint if you believe your rights as a tenant have been violated:

1. Gather Evidence

• Document dates, conversations, and any actions taken by your landlord.
• Keep copies of emails, texts, letters, notices, and application forms.
• List witnesses who may have observed discriminatory behavior.

This helps provide a clear record when the PHRC or HUD investigates your complaint.

2. Choose Where to File

• Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC): Handles discrimination under state law. File a complaint online or by mail.
• HUD: Handles discrimination under federal law. Often, PHRC and HUD will “dual file” your complaint so you’re protected by both sets of laws.

3. Complete the Official Complaint Form

• PHRC Housing Discrimination Questionnaire
  • Form Name: Housing Discrimination Questionnaire
  • Used When: Use this form when you are ready to file a housing discrimination complaint with the PHRC. For example, if your landlord refuses to rent to you after learning about your disability, start with this form.
  • Download the official PHRC Housing Discrimination Questionnaire (PDF)
• HUD Form 903 Online Complaint
  • Form Name/Number: HUD Form 903
  • Used When: This form is for reporting housing discrimination on a federal level, including properties managed by private landlords. For example, if you were denied rental because of your family size, you can submit HUD Form 903 online.
  • File your HUD discrimination complaint online

4. Submit the Form

• PHRC complaints can be submitted by mail, email, fax, or in person to your nearest PHRC office. Find out where to send your complaint.
• HUD complaints are usually submitted online, but can also be mailed or faxed. See instructions here.

For both PHRC and HUD, you’ll typically need to file your complaint within one year of the discriminatory act. Acting quickly is essential to protect your legal rights.

What Happens After You File a Complaint?

The agency will review your complaint and may launch an investigation. They will often contact you for more information. If evidence shows discrimination likely occurred, the agency may try to resolve the case through settlement or may refer you for a hearing. Remedies could include stopping the unfair practice or providing compensation.

FAQ: Housing Discrimination in Pennsylvania

1. What proof do I need to file a housing discrimination complaint? You don’t need absolute proof. Provide any evidence you have—such as written communications, notes about conversations, or witness names—to help the agency investigate.
2. Will my landlord know I filed a complaint? Yes, the agency will usually inform the landlord or property manager as part of the investigation. However, it is illegal for them to retaliate against you for making a complaint.
3. Is there a fee to file a complaint with PHRC or HUD? No, filing a housing discrimination complaint with the PHRC or HUD is always free for tenants.
4. Can I still live in the property after filing a complaint? Yes, and your landlord cannot evict or otherwise retaliate against you for exercising your fair housing rights.
5. How long does the complaint investigation take? The process may take several months. Agencies must act promptly, but complex cases can take longer depending on the circumstances.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• In Pennsylvania, fair housing laws protect renters against discrimination based on multiple factors.
• Complaints may be filed with the PHRC or HUD, using easy-to-access official forms.
• Documentation and evidence help agencies investigate and resolve your case.

If you act quickly, you can help stop discrimination and protect your rights as a renter in Pennsylvania.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC): Main state housing discrimination authority. Call 717-787-4410 or file online.
• HUD Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity: Federal authority for housing discrimination complaints.
• Pennsylvania Health Law Project: Legal support for renters with disabilities and health-related housing needs.
• Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network: Free or low-cost legal help for low-income renters statewide.

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1. Pennsylvania Human Relations Act – Fair Housing
2. Federal Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968)
3. PHRC File a Complaint Portal

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