ByHow to Fight HOA Discrimination Against Renters — And Win
The fair housing act safeguards renter rights by prohibiting discrimination by housing providers. However, there are still cases of against renters in the US and other parts of the globe. If you face HOA discrimination as a renter dealing with this by yourself can be stressful and time-consuming. It is then vital to know the steps to take and how to file complaints against HOA. Luckily this has never been easier with DoNotPay.
DoNotPay is the easiest way for you to leave anonymous reviews against your HOA or landlord, file a formal complaint, and escalate your case. Read on to find out how to fight HOA discrimination and make complaints that will be taken seriously.
Common HOA Violations Against Renters
HOA communities have rules and regulations. These aim to enhance security, limit congestion, and reduce noise in the neighborhood. Renters and landlords should abide by the HOA rules to avoid hefty fines. Similarly, renters have rights, and the property owner transfers these to the tenants. Can an HOA discriminate against who you rent your condo? This is quite common. For instance, the renters have the right to use common area amenities during the lease period. Denying the renter the right to use such services violates their rights.
It is the renter's right to occupy the property regardless of race, color, sex, religion, or disability. If you are denied the right to rent property due to disability, you can file a renter discrimination complaint to relevant authorities. Moreover, if you apply to rent as a disabled person, the landlord should make the necessary modifications like installing ramps to ensure a safe habitation. Eviction without notice is yet another infringement. The landlord has a right to oust you from the premises if you contravene the rules. These may include not paying rent or keeping pets when not allowed.
However, you are entitled to notice and time to clear the rent arrears. If evicted without notice, this contravenes the housing laws, and you can file a complaint.
Other violations to renters include:
- Denial of housing to families with kids.
- Cancellation or termination of a rental agreement.
- Policies or conditions resulting in unequal access to housing-related services.
- Retaliation against a renter filing a complaint.
- Overly stringent regulations restraining the activities of renters with children, including where children are allowed to play.
- Demanding sexual favors for housing privileges.
What Can the Homeowners Association Fine You For?
Tenants living in HOA neighborhoods should abide by certain regulations. These include;
1. Pet Restrictions
HOA communities have stringent pet restrictions, and you can be fined for keeping pets on the property if the HOA regulations forbid keeping pets.
2. Occupancy Limits
Some communities have occupancy limits, which limit the number of people you can accommodate in your home. Keeping more occupants can attract a penalty by the HOA.
3. Noise Regulations
HOA communities have noise restrictions, and some have quiet hours, especially at night and early mornings. Not abiding by the rules can warrant a fine to the renter.
How to Complain to the HOA About Renter Discrimination
The Fair Housing Act (FHA) prohibits HOA discrimination against renters because of race, color, religion, sex, disability or origin. If you are prohibited from occupying a property due to disability, race or color, you can file a complaint to the state's fair housing agency.
| Contact USA Gov with these contact information: | |
| Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity | 1-202-708-1112 |
| Mailing Address | The Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity 451 7th Street, S.W., Room 5204
Washington, DC 20410-2000 |
| Filing a complaint online | Official Website |
How to File a HOA Complaint in California
The Office of the Attorney General handles complaints on behalf of homeowners and renters whose rights have been denied under state or federal law. Dealing with HOA discrimination against renters California is easy. To file a renter discrimination complaint in California, call the Communication Center: 800-884-1684, 800-700-2320 (TTY) or California's Relay Service at 711.
Solve HOA Renter Discrimination Complaints With the Help of DoNotPay
DoNotPay is a convenient and easy way of dealing with renter discrimination complaints. Doing this by yourself can be hectic; it involves several trips to the housing offices which can be costly. However, DoNotPay's online process makes everything easy, through the following steps:
- Choose and describe the nature of your complaint (neighbors, maintenance, etc).
- Explain how this problem has negatively affected you and how you want the HOA to address the problem.
- Tell us how long you've been a member of this HOA.
- Confirm your home address so we can generate state-specific arguments on your behalf!
Other Services Offered by DoNotPay
DoNotPay offers many other services and will help you resolve issues with different entities. These include:
- Sex offender searches
- Neighbor complaints
- Insurance claims
- Help with bills
- Filing complaints
DoNotPay will also help you with:
- Noise complaints
- Homeowners association dispute
- HOA complaint forms
- How to dispute homeowners association late fees.
Get Help from DoNotPay!
Do you want to file a renter discrimination complaint against HOA and do not know where to begin? DoNotPay can help! This is an online process that will save you time and money. Join DoNotPay to file an HOA discrimination complaint today!