Filing a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Virginia

If you believe you've been treated unfairly when renting a home or apartment in Virginia because of your race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, elderliness, source of funds or military status, you have protection under state and federal fair housing laws. Understanding how to file a housing discrimination complaint in Virginia can help you assert your renter rights and seek resolution if you've faced bias during your rental experience.

Understanding Housing Discrimination in Virginia

Discrimination in housing occurs when a landlord, property manager, or other housing provider treats someone unfairly based on certain protected characteristics. In Virginia, protected classes include:

• Race or color
• National origin
• Religion
• Sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity)
• Disability
• Familial status (presence of children under 18)
• Elderliness (age 55 or older)
• Source of funds (such as Housing Choice Vouchers or disability benefits)
• Military status

These protections come from both the federal Fair Housing Act and the Virginia Fair Housing Law.^[1]

Who Handles Fair Housing Complaints in Virginia?

The Virginia Fair Housing Office (VFHO), part of the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), is the main agency that investigates housing discrimination complaints in the state. Federally, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also receives complaints.

If you are a renter in Virginia who has been denied a rental, evicted, or otherwise treated unfairly because of a protected class, you can file complaints with either VFHO or HUD.

Forms for Filing a Housing Discrimination Complaint

Virginia renters should use the official complaint forms to initiate an investigation. Here are the key forms:

• Virginia Fair Housing Complaint Form (DPOR 20017-FH)
  Download the DPOR Fair Housing Complaint Form
  When to use it: Use this form if you believe you have been discriminated against by a landlord or housing provider. For example, if you were denied a lease after mentioning you have children, or a landlord refused a reasonable accommodation for your disability, fill out and submit this form.
• HUD Form 903 – Housing Discrimination Complaint
  Access HUD Form 903 online
  When to use it: Use the federal HUD form if you want to complain to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This can be helpful if the discrimination issue crosses state lines or involves federal housing programs.

How to File Your Complaint

• Complete either the Virginia or HUD complaint form with as much detail as possible about what happened, including dates, names, and how you were affected.
• Attach any evidence you have, such as emails, text messages, advertisements, or witness statements.
• Submit your form:
  • To the Virginia Fair Housing Office by email, mail, or fax as listed on the official submission instructions.
  • To HUD online, by mail, or by phone as listed on the HUD complaint process page.

Both agencies will evaluate your claim, usually within a few days of receipt, and may follow up to gather more information before launching a formal investigation.

What Happens After You File a Complaint?

After you submit your complaint, the Virginia Fair Housing Office or HUD will:

• Contact you for more details (if needed)
• Notifying the landlord or other party involved that a complaint has been filed
• Investigate the allegations – this may involve interviews, requesting documents, or site visits
• Attempt to resolve the issue through informal mediation or a formal conciliation process
• If discrimination is found, order remedies such as damages, changes in procedures, or training requirements for the housing provider

Most complaints must be filed within one year of the alleged discrimination. Starting early gives you the best protection.

Your Legal Rights as a Renter

The Virginia Fair Housing Law and the federal Fair Housing Act protect Virginians from housing discrimination by landlords, property managers, or other housing professionals.^[2] These laws also protect people from retaliation if they file a complaint.

Summary

Virginia renters are protected from housing discrimination under state and federal law. By knowing your rights and following the correct complaint process, you can stand up against unfair treatment and help create a more equal housing market.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long do I have to file a housing discrimination complaint in Virginia?
   In Virginia, you typically have one year from the date of the alleged discriminatory act to file a complaint with the Virginia Fair Housing Office or HUD.
2. Do I need a lawyer to file a fair housing complaint?
   No. You can file a complaint on your own. However, if you need legal advice or support, you may want to contact a local legal aid organization or fair housing group.
3. Can my landlord retaliate if I file a complaint?
   No. Retaliation for filing a fair housing complaint is illegal under both Virginia law and federal law.
4. What happens after I submit my complaint?
   The agency will review your claim, contact you and the other party as needed, and begin an investigation. Resolution can involve mediation, conciliation, or legal remedies.
5. Is there a cost for filing a housing discrimination complaint?
   No. It is free to file a fair housing complaint in Virginia and with HUD.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Virginia Renters

• Virginia law protects renters from discrimination based on many personal characteristics.
• Complaints can be filed with the Virginia Fair Housing Office or HUD using official forms.
• Filing a complaint is free, confidential, and protected from retaliation.

Assert your rights by filing if you've experienced discrimination – quick action helps maintain your legal protections.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Virginia Fair Housing Office – Main state agency for housing complaints
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Fair Housing – File a federal complaint
• Virginia Legal Aid Directory – Find free legal help if you need guidance
• Federal Fair Housing Act (Official DOJ Page)

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1. Virginia Fair Housing Law (Va. Code Title 36, Chapter 4)
2. Federal Fair Housing Act

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