At this difficult time, we understand that having access to safe, stable housing is more important than ever. If you are concerned about your rights under the fair housing laws during this public health crisis we are here to help. Here is some information about your fair housing rights that may be affected by the pandemic. If you have any further questions about fair housing, please do not hesitate to contact the Massachusetts Fair Housing Center by email info@massfairhousing.org or by phone at 413-539-9796 x 101.
National Origin Discrimination
The state and federal fair housing laws prohibit discrimination based on national origin.
This means:
- It is illegal to deny you housing or shelter because you are from one of the countries most affected by COVID-19 or are perceived as being from such a country.
- It is illegal to have different rules for you than for everyone else because you are from one of the countries most affected by COVID-19 or are perceived as being from such a country.
- It is illegal for a landlord to send you a Notice to Quit or try to evict you because you are from one of the countries most affected by COVID-19 or are perceived as being from such a country.
This information was taken with permission from the Connecticut Fair Housing Center’s Fact Sheet on COVID19 and Fair Housing.
If you suspect that you are being treated differently in any housing transactions based on your national origin, please call the Massachusetts Fair Housing Center at 413-539-9796 x 101, or email us at info@massfairhousing.org.
Disability Discrimination
If you suspect that you are being treated differently in any housing transactions based on COVID-19 or if you have a disability, please call the Massachusetts Fair Housing Center at 413-539-9796 x 101, or email us at info@massfairhousing.org.
Hate Crimes
The Massachusetts Fair Housing Center provides representation to victims of hate crimes in housing. If you are the victim of a hate crime in housing, please call the Massachusetts Fair Housing at 413-539-9796, or email us at info@massfairhousing.org.
The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office also provides representation to victims of hate crimes. You can file a complaint with their office by calling this hot-line: 1-800-994-3228 or filing a complaint online at https://www.mass.gov/how-to/file-a-civil-rights-complaint.
Survivors of Domestic Violence
We understand that there may be an increase in domestic violence as individuals are urged to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Massachusetts Fair Housing Center provides representation to victims of domestic violence to enforce their fair housing rights to break a lease, change a lock, obtain an emergency transfer or prevent an eviction.
If you have any questions about your housing rights as a victim of domestic violence, please contact the Massachusetts Fair Housing Center at 413-539-9796, or email us at info@massfairhousing.org.