A home should not depend on who you are
Safe and stable housing is a fundamental right, yet many people face eviction, denial of rental applications or harassment from landlords because of their race, sexual orientation or gender identity. If you have been treated unfairly in securing or keeping housing, we can help. Legal protections exist, and we'll work to make sure they're upheld.
What this can look like
- A landlord rejected your application, or the unit was suddenly unavailable once they met you
- You were offered different terms, a higher deposit or worse conditions than other tenants
- A landlord, property manager or neighbor harassed you and management did nothing
- You were threatened with eviction after asserting your rights
- Your request for a disability accommodation, such as an assistance animal, was refused
- A lender or insurer treated you differently because of a protected trait
The law on your side
Federal, state and local fair housing laws work together. The right path depends on who discriminated and where the property is.
- Fair Housing Act
- Federal law that bars housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status and disability, by landlords, sellers, lenders and others.
- Pennsylvania Human Relations Act
- State law that covers housing as well as employment, and that the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission reads to include sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Local ordinances
- Philadelphia and many Montgomery County municipalities add their own protections and their own complaint process.
Mind the clock
Time limits vary by path: generally 180 days for a complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, one year for a complaint with HUD and two years to file a federal Fair Housing Act lawsuit. If you're facing an eviction, call right away, because those cases move in weeks.
These are general time limits, not legal advice. The deadline that applies to you depends on your facts.
What to gather
You don't need all of this to reach out. Bring what you have.
- Your lease, application and any denial letters
- Listings or ads for the unit, with dates
- Texts, emails and voicemails from the landlord or manager
- Notices you received, including any eviction papers
- Photos of conditions if repairs were refused
- Names of anyone who saw or heard what happened
Common questions
I received an eviction notice. Is it too late?
No, but act quickly. Eviction cases move fast, and discrimination or retaliation can be a defense. Contact us as soon as you receive papers.
Does it matter if the landlord never said why?
Most discrimination is not announced. Timing, how others were treated and what was said along the way often tell the story.
Talk with Sophia about what happened
Tell us a little about your situation. We'll contact you to talk it through.