Education Program

The Education Program of the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana provides education programs and activities to increase fair housing knowledge. We conduct trainings and conferences, distribute publications, support community events, issue e-newsletters, provide social media alerts and a website, release reports, and other activities to advance knowledge about fair housing laws. We work with consumers, the housing industry, and state and local policy makers to advance fair housing.

On this page and this page’s topical subpages, you will find a variety of publications and guidance about relevant fair housing issues.

Please note that if alternative formats of any of these publications are needed for those with disabilities, please contact the FHCCI (info@fhcci.org) and we will attempt to accommodate.

What is Fair Housing?

Fair housing is a right—not a privilege. Fair housing is the law—not just an idea. Each of us is a member of several protected classes. Fair housing laws apply to and protect all of us! Fair housing is about exercising a choice and choosing where you want to live based upon your own economics. It’s the promotion of healthy, diverse neighborhoods.

Fair Housing Law

There are a number of laws concerning discrimination in housing. While the Federal Fair Housing Act is the law most frequently cited, the federal government has a number of laws and executive orders addressing the issue.

Generally speaking there are four basic components to any allegation of unlawful housing discrimination:

  1. A protected class that is covered by the law, and
  2. A discriminatory act or practice that is covered by the law, and
  3. The most recent discriminatory act that occurred meets jurisdiction timelines, and
  4. The allegation involves a kind of housing covered by the law(s)

For us in Central Indiana, the following protections are in place for the rental, financing, sales, insurance and/or other housing related services:

  • Race (any race)
  • Color (any color)
  • Religion
  • National Origin (any nationality)
  • Gender (sex – includes gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, or being transgender)
  • Familial Status (presence of children under 18 in the family or persons who are pregnant or adults attempting to secure custody of children)
  • Disability (handicap)
  • Ancestry (Indiana state law)
  • Age, Gender Identity/Expression, Sexual Orientation, Military Service Veteran Status (Indianapolis/Marion County ordinance)

If you have housing question or for additional assistance, please contact the FHCCI.

What are the possible signs?

  • Charging additional rent or deposits because someone needs an animal to assist them with their disability.
  • Advertisements, signs or flyers which state “no children,” “no minorities,” or “Hispanics Need Not Apply.”
  • Limiting the number of children in a complex or confining them to a specific location or floor.
  • Being propositioned for sex in exchange for rent or deposits and/or inappropriate comments.
  • Requiring Muslims to pay for criminal background checks but not requiring of other religions, races or nationalities.
  • Refusing to rent to a person using a wheelchair for fear a unit might be damaged.
  • Steering minority homeowners to sections of the city where other minorities live or telling white home seekers to stay out of some areas.
  • Tenancy rules are enforced for some residents but not others.
  • Lack of accessibility in a newly constructed multi-family building.

Possible Remedies

Victims of discrimination may be compensated in several ways. They may be able to get the housing they wanted or similar housing may be made available. In some cases, a cash payment can be made to reimburse for expenses caused by having to find other housing and for damages such as pain and distress.

If you win a federal civil court lawsuit, the law may also allow you to receive punitive damages. Those found in violation of the law may be assigned penalties and/or given direction on how to change their way of doing business to meet fair housing laws.

Enforcement

There are three formal ways to make a fair housing complaint: through an administrative process with the U.S. Dept of Housing and Urban Development or the Indiana Civil Rights Commission, or by filing a lawsuit in court. Residents of communities with a local human rights or relations ordinance may also have additional filing options (see a list of agencies at the bottom of this page). Please be aware of filing deadlines for the agency in which you file. Contact the FHCCI for information.

Where you should file will depend upon the type of housing discrimination alleged, the evidence obtained and/or when the alleged discrimination last occurred. Contact the FHCCI for assistance and guidance.

Programs