Filing a Fair Housing Discrimination Complaint in Tennessee

If you’re a renter in Tennessee and believe you’ve faced housing discrimination, you’re not alone. The state and federal governments protect renters from unfair treatment by landlords, property managers, and others based on categories like race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status. Understanding how to take action is crucial for protecting your rights and helping create fairer housing for everyone.

What Is Housing Discrimination?

Housing discrimination happens when landlords, property managers, or real estate agents treat someone unfairly in renting, selling, or advertising a home because of protected characteristics. In Tennessee, it’s illegal to discriminate based on:

• Race or color
• National origin
• Religion
• Sex
• Disability
• Familial status (having children under 18, being pregnant)

These protections come from the Federal Fair Housing Act and the Tennessee Human Rights Act (Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-21-601 et seq.). Local laws may also provide extra protections.

Where to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Tennessee

There are two main agencies that handle housing discrimination complaints in Tennessee:

• Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC): Investigates alleged violations of state fair housing laws. Visit the THRC Fair Housing Website
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Handles complaints under the federal Fair Housing Act. Submit a complaint to HUD

How to File a Complaint: Step-by-Step

Whether you decide to file at the state or federal level, the process is similar. Here’s how a renter in Tennessee can proceed:

Step 1: Gather Information and Evidence

• Write down details of the discrimination (dates, names, what happened)
• Save texts, emails, or letters that could serve as proof
• Get contact information for any witnesses

Step 2: Choose the Right Agency and Form

• For THRC: Use the Tennessee Human Rights Commission Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (no number available). Fill this out if you believe your rights were violated anywhere within Tennessee.
• For HUD: The HUD Form 903-1 (Housing Discrimination Complaint Form) is for federal complaints. You might want to use this if your case involves federal subsidies, programs, or wider impact.

Step 3: Submit Your Complaint

• Submit Online (THRC): Complete and submit the THRC Online Housing Discrimination Complaint Form.
• Submit by Mail or Email (THRC): Download, complete, and mail or email the paper THRC Housing Complaint Form.
• Submit to HUD: File online using the HUD Fair Housing Complaint Portal, or fill out and mail Form 903-1 to the address listed on the form.

Step 4: Follow Up & Respond to Inquiries

• After your complaint is filed, the agency will contact you for more information if needed
• Investigators may ask you for interviews or documents
• Your landlord will have a chance to respond, but retaliation for filing a complaint is illegal

The Tennessee Human Rights Commission will guide you through the process if you need help.

Relevant Official Forms for Tennessee Renters

• Tennessee Human Rights Commission Housing Discrimination Complaint Form: Download the THRC Form (PDF) – Use this when you want to file a housing complaint about discrimination at the state level.
  Example: If your landlord refused your application because you have children or for another protected reason, complete this form and submit it to the THRC.
• HUD Form 903-1 (Housing Discrimination Complaint): Download the HUD Form (PDF) – Use this to file a federal complaint, especially if HUD programs or subsidies are involved.
  Example: If your apartment manager wouldn’t allow your service animal despite a disability, you can use this form to file with HUD.

After You File: What Happens Next?

Once your complaint is received, the agency will review and investigate. The Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC) or HUD will:

• Contact both you and the landlord for more information
• May offer mediation to help both sides reach an agreement
• Make a formal finding; if discrimination is found, they can order remedies such as compensation, fines, or changes in policies
• If there is no violation, you can request further review

Discrimination complaints under Tennessee law are enforced by the Tennessee Human Rights Commission.

Tenant Rights Legislation in Tennessee

Key renter protections come from:

• Tennessee Human Rights Act (Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-21-601 et seq.)
• Federal Fair Housing Act

Understanding your rights under these laws can help you spot and respond to discrimination.

FAQs: Filing a Discrimination Complaint in Tennessee

1. What counts as housing discrimination in Tennessee?
   Housing discrimination includes refusal to rent, unequal terms, harassment, or denying reasonable accommodations based on protected characteristics like race, color, disability, or family status.
2. Is there a deadline to file my complaint?
   Yes. In Tennessee, you must file a housing discrimination complaint with the THRC within 180 days of the alleged act, or with HUD within one year¹.
3. Can my landlord retaliate if I file a complaint?
   No. Both state and federal laws make it illegal for landlords to retaliate against you for filing a discrimination complaint or assisting in an investigation.
4. Do I need a lawyer to file a housing discrimination complaint?
   No. The process is designed to be accessible for renters without attorneys. However, you can seek legal assistance if you wish.
5. What if I made a mistake on my complaint form?
   You should contact the agency where you filed (THRC or HUD) as soon as possible to update or clarify your submission.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Tennessee Renters

• State and federal laws protect Tennessee renters from housing discrimination.
• You can file a complaint with the THRC or HUD—there are forms and online portals to guide you.
• Keep documentation, act promptly, and follow up with the investigating agency.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Tennessee Human Rights Commission (Main Housing Rights Page)
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Fair Housing
• THRC Contact & Office Locations
• For legal help, check your local legal aid office or the Tennessee Courts Self-Help Center

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1. Tennessee Human Rights Commission Fair Housing Guide
2. HUD: How to File a Complaint
3. Tennessee Human Rights Act (Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-21-601 et seq.)
4. Fair Housing Act

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