Fair Housing

   Fair Housing laws exist to protect everyone's right to live in the neighborhood of his or her choice.

   These laws protect us against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap or family size, in the following areas:

• The sale or rental of housing or residential lots
• Advertising the sale or rental of housing
• The financing of housing
• The provision of real estate services

   In Dearborn Heights, the Community and Economic Development Department works to encourage these regulations. If you feel you have been discriminated against, you can file a complaint with the CEDD at 26155 Richardson, Dearborn Heights, Michigan, 48127, Attention: Carmine Oliverio. You may also file a complaint with these agencies:

Michigan Department of Civil Rights
1200 Sixth Street
Detroit MI 48236
Phone: 256-2570

The Detroit Area Office Department of Housing and Urban Development
477 Michigan Avenue Suite 1725
Patrick McNamara Building
Detroit MI 48226
Phone: 226-6898

Fair Housing Center
2230 Witherall Room 601
Detroit MI 48201
Attn: Cliff Schrupp
Phone: 963-1274

   Your complaint should be notarized by and submitted to any of the above agencies within 6 months of the alleged discriminatory act. You may also make a complaint by calling the National Fair Housing Hotline at 1-800-795-7195 (voice) or 927-9275 (TDD).

   The City's Community and Economic development director, Carmine Oliverio, has met with local realtors and informed them of the Fair Housing Laws and their provisions. The department also keeps up-to-date information on any new activity and new legislation regarding fair housing through its membership in the Fair Housing Center.

   THE FAIR HOUSING CENTER works to promote open housing and provide housing advice and information. Those of you looking for a home can get help in locating sales or rental properties in nontraditional neighborhoods. The Center is involved in research projects, housing audits, complaint investigation, and training programs and seminars to inform the community about fair housing rules and regulations.