The Fair Housing/Housing Counseling Program is responsible for mediating resolutions related to fair housing laws. The program assists residents in need of information on their housing rights and in the resolution of housing related discrimination complaints.
An initial informal method of resolving a housing discrimination complaint is used to attempt to reach a solution and resolve the disagreement.
For any case where informal resolution is not possible, the City of San Antonio will refer the complaint to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for further investigative action.
Types of Discrimination
Discrimination occurs when an individual is provided different or unequal treatment in housing situations because of:
- age
- color
- familial status or disability
- gender identity
- national origin
- race
- religion
- sex
- sexual orientation
- veterans status
Illegal Actions
It is unlawful for any person to:
- Discriminate against any person in the sale, lease, rental or any other condition involving housing.
- Discriminate in the extension of mortgage loans, insurance or any other services related to the financing and/or transfer of interest in any dwelling.
- Discriminate in the terms, conditions or privileges of sale or rental of a dwelling.
- Print, publish or advertise sale or rental of a dwelling which indicates preference, limitations or discrimination.
- Represent to any person that a house is not available for inspection, sale or rental, when such a house is, in fact available.
- Induce, or attempt to induce, for profit, any person to sell or rent a house by representation regarding the entry or prospective entry into the neighborhood of a person or persons of a particular race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation or gender identity.
Warning Signs
- An apartment manager takes your lease application and you are never contacted.
- You are told that only married couples can purchase the unit.
- A vacancy sign appears in the window, you and your child go into the office to inquire, but the manager tells you there are no longer any units available.
- Management tells you that you cannot move in right away and are placed on a waiting list, but your friend is told they can move in right away.
- Your rental deposit and/or monthly rent are a higher amount than that of other tenants.
- You are directed away from a neighborhood because “the neighbors might not be friendly”.
- An Ad in the paper continues to appear after you were told that it was rented.
- You are told a higher selling price for a home than what was advertised, or what you hear others being told.
- Your real estate agent only shows you homes on certain parts of towns.
- A Mortgage Company or bank of your choice refuses to approve a loan even though you qualify.
Submitting a Complaint
To learn more about submitting a complaint online, visit our Non-Discrimination Ordinance (NDO) page. You may also call or visit us in person.
How to Submit a Discrimination Complaint