Filing a Housing Discrimination Complaint in South Carolina

If you’re a renter in South Carolina and believe you’re being treated unfairly due to your race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or family status, federal and state laws protect your right to fair housing. This article explains the steps and official resources needed to file a housing discrimination complaint in South Carolina, helping you stand up for your rights clearly and confidently.

Understanding Housing Discrimination in South Carolina

Housing discrimination can take many forms—for example, being denied housing, facing different rental terms, or receiving unfair treatment during your tenancy, all based on protected characteristics. The South Carolina Fair Housing Law and the federal Fair Housing Act make it illegal for landlords or their agents to discriminate for reasons such as:

• Race or color
• Religion
• National origin
• Sex
• Disability
• Familial status (e.g., having children)

What Agency Handles Housing Discrimination Complaints?

In South Carolina, the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission (SCHAC) is responsible for investigating housing discrimination complaints. SCHAC enforces state law, while the federal government enforces the national Fair Housing Act. SCHAC works with HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) as needed.

How to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint

You do not need to hire a lawyer to file a complaint. The process is confidential and free. You can submit a complaint either at the state level with SCHAC or at the federal level with HUD. Here’s how you can take action:

• Gather details of the incident(s): Note dates, what happened, and who was involved.
• Collect any supporting evidence: Emails, texts, photos, or witnesses.
• Submit an official complaint form through SCHAC or HUD (or both).

South Carolina Human Affairs Commission (SCHAC) Complaint Form

Form Name: SCHAC Housing Discrimination Questionnaire

How to Use: Use this form to start your official discrimination complaint in South Carolina. This is often the first step for state-level complaints, and helps SCHAC determine if your case falls under their authority.

• Download the SCHAC Fair Housing Questionnaire (PDF)
• Fill it out by including a clear description of what happened, when, and who was involved.
• Return the completed form in person, by mail, or by email (instructions at the top of the form).

Practical Example: Let’s say a landlord refuses to rent to you after learning you have children. Complete the SCHAC Housing Discrimination Questionnaire, attach relevant texts or emails, and submit to SCHAC for investigation.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Form 903

Form Name: HUD Form 903 – Housing Discrimination Complaint Form

When and How Used: This is the federal complaint form for suspected housing discrimination under the Fair Housing Act. You can file online through HUD, by mail, or call their hotline for assistance.

• File a housing discrimination complaint online with HUD
• Download HUD Form 903 (PDF)
• Mail completed paper forms to: Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, HUD Headquarters, 451 7th Street SW, Room 5204, Washington, DC 20410-2000

Practical Example: If your landlord tells you they won’t rent to people of your national origin, complete HUD Form 903 and include any proof, such as email correspondence or witness statements.

What Happens After Filing?

SCHAC or HUD will review your complaint and may contact you for more information. They’ll then investigate and, if evidence supports your claim, may attempt mediation, conciliation, or take enforcement action. You won’t be required to face your landlord alone in this process.

Steps to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint

Here’s a quick summary of the steps:

• Identify if you’re experiencing discrimination based on a protected class.
• Gather evidence and details about the issue.
• Download, complete, and submit the SCHAC Housing Discrimination Questionnaire, HUD Form 903, or both.
• Respond to any follow-up questions from SCHAC or HUD promptly.
• Participate in any mediation or investigation when requested.

Act quickly—there are time limits for filing (usually within one year of the discriminatory incident).

FAQ: Renters’ Rights and Housing Discrimination

1. What counts as housing discrimination in South Carolina?
   If a landlord or housing provider treats you differently based on race, color, religion, gender, disability, national origin, or familial status, that may violate fair housing laws.
2. How long do I have to file a housing discrimination complaint?
   You usually have one year from the date of the alleged discrimination to file a complaint with SCHAC or HUD.
3. Is it necessary to file with both SCHAC and HUD?
   You can file with either or both. SCHAC handles state complaints, while HUD covers federal protections. Filing both ensures coverage under state and federal law.
4. Can my landlord evict me for filing a complaint?
   Retaliation for filing a good faith complaint is illegal under both state and federal law.
5. What happens if SCHAC or HUD finds discrimination occurred?
   They may offer mediation, require corrective actions, or pursue legal remedies to resolve the situation.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for South Carolina Renters

• You are protected by both state and federal laws from housing discrimination.
• File promptly—collect your evidence and use the official SCHAC or HUD forms.
• Help is available, and retaliation is illegal. You do not have to go through the process alone.

Understanding your rights is the first step in protecting yourself and your family.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• South Carolina Human Affairs Commission (SCHAC) Fair Housing Info – file complaints, find guidance, or get support (Phone: 1-800-521-0725).
• HUD Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity – file federal complaints and access resources.
• South Carolina Fair Housing Law – full state statute text.

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1. South Carolina Human Affairs Commission: Fair Housing
2. South Carolina Code of Laws Title 31, Chapter 21 – Fair Housing Law
3. HUD – File a Housing Discrimination Complaint Online
4. HUD Form 903: Housing Discrimination Complaint

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