The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on housing security across the nation. Eviction moratoria and emergency assistance have provided vital protections through a difficult and precarious time, stabilizing many families in their homes during the pandemic. Yet, the pandemic has laid bare longstanding economic and healthcare disparities among Black and indigenous communities, persons of color and persons with disabilities, revealing higher rates of infection, unemployment and death. As protective measures begin to be lifted, we can expect that similar disparities in housing security will lead to disproportionate displacement of families in the same communities. During this time, HUD wants to remind housing providers and the general public that the Fair Housing Act is the law of the land and remains in full force. For example, selective evictions because of protected class (such as race or national origin) violate the Fair Housing Act even when the eviction might otherwise have been lawful. Similarly, the Act requires housing providers to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities, including exceptions or modifications to eviction policies and procedures that may be necessary because of tenants’ disabilities. HUD will fully engage its authority under the Fair Housing Act to protect families from the instability and long-term harm of discriminatory evictions.
HUD stands with its fair housing partners across the country to ensure that the Fair Housing Act is fully enforced during this time. Persons who believe they have experienced housing discrimination may file a complaint of discrimination by contacting HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at (800) 669-9777 or visiting How to File a Complaint on HUD’s website. Materials and assistance are available for persons with limited English proficiency. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may contact the Department using the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339.