Guides / Your rights
Your fair housing rights, and how to report discrimination
5-minute read · Updated October 2026
Short answerThe federal Fair Housing Act bans discrimination in buying, renting, lending and housing ads because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability or familial status. Some federal courts have read "sex" to include sexual orientation and gender identity, and many states protect both by name. If you're treated unfairly, write down what happened and report it: to HUD within one year, to your state or local fair housing agency, or through an attorney within two years.
What the law covers
The Fair Housing Act applies to home sellers, landlords, real estate agents and brokers, lenders, insurers and appraisers, and to housing ads. It is illegal to refuse to sell, rent or negotiate, to set different terms or prices, to steer you toward or away from a neighborhood, or to publish an ad that shows a preference, because of a protected characteristic.
LGBTQ+ protections right now (as of September 2026)
Federal courts: after the Supreme Court's 2020 Bostock decision, some federal courts have read the Fair Housing Act's ban on sex discrimination to cover sexual orientation and gender identity.
HUD: in 2025 HUD withdrew its guidance applying that reading and stopped investigating complaints based only on sexual orientation or gender identity. That can change, so check HUD's current position when you report.
States and cities: about 23 states plus Washington, DC protect sexual orientation in housing by name, and about 22 plus DC protect gender identity. Your state or city fair housing agency can take your complaint under that law.
REALTORS®: the Code of Ethics that REALTORS® follow bars discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, so you can also file an ethics complaint with the agent's local REALTOR® association.
How to report
Write it down now: dates, names, addresses, what was said or written, and any texts, emails or ads. Keep copies.
HUD: file online at hud.gov or call 1-800-669-9777, within one year of what happened. Have your name and address, the other party's name and address, the property address, the dates and a short description ready.
Your state or local fair housing agency: especially for sexual orientation or gender identity. Search "[your state] fair housing complaint."
A private fair housing organization in your area can help with intake, testing and next steps, usually at no cost.
An attorney: you can sue in federal court within two years, whether or not you filed with HUD first.
How Search With Pride fits in
Every agent on this site has agreed to The Search With Pride Pledge, which includes Fair Housing, and our pages never describe neighborhoods or who lives in them. If an agent you found here treats you unfairly, email info@searchwithpride.com as well as reporting it.
Common questions
Is it legal to refuse to sell or rent to me because I'm gay or transgender?Some federal courts have said the Fair Housing Act forbids it, and many states ban it by name. How you report it depends on your state; see the steps above.
How long do I have to report?One year to file with HUD, two years to file in federal court. State deadlines vary.
Can an agent suggest which neighborhoods "fit" me?No. Steering someone toward or away from an area because of a protected characteristic is illegal. A good agent shows you homes that match your budget and must-haves and lets you decide.
Does it cost anything to file?Filing with HUD or a state agency is free.
Talk it through with an agentEvery agent here agrees to The Search With Pride Pledge, including Fair Housing.Find an agent →
More guides
Buying a home with a partner you're not married to →How to hold title, and what to put in writing before closing.
Making your name match on the deed and loan →Name changes before, during and after a purchase, including what trans and non-binary buyers can expect.
What is the Search With Pride Pledge? →The commitment every participating agent makes to dignity, welcoming professional service and Fair Housing.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws and agency policies change; confirm current rules with HUD, your state agency or an attorney.