If your homeowners association discriminated against you — refused a reasonable accommodation for a disability, denied an assistance animal, or enforced rules against you because of your race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or because you have children — you can file a federal Fair Housing complaint with HUD. It is free, you do not need a lawyer, and the deadline is strict.
What the Fair Housing Act covers
The federal Fair Housing Act makes it illegal to discriminate in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex (HUD includes sexual orientation and gender identity), familial status (children under 18 / pregnancy), and disability. It applies to HOAs. Common HOA examples:
- Refusing or ignoring a request for a reasonable accommodation (an assistance animal despite a no-pets rule, an accessible parking space, a ramp).
- Enforcing rules — fines, architectural review, parking — more harshly against you because of a protected characteristic.
- Rules or statements that discourage or exclude families with children or a protected group.
- Harassment by the board, manager, or a neighbor the HOA had power to stop and did not.
Before you file, gather these
- Your name and contact information.
- The name and address of the HOA, management company, or board member involved (the “respondent”).
- The address of the property.
- A dated timeline of what happened, starting with your first contact.
- The protected basis you believe was the reason.
- Documents: the CC&R or rule cited against you, notices, letters, emails, your written accommodation request and any denial, photos, and the names of witnesses.
Four ways to file (pick one)
- Online (recommended) — go to hud.gov/reporthousingdiscrimination and click “Report Now.”
- By phone — 1-800-669-9777. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use a relay service by dialing 711.
- By mail — complete Form HUD-903.1 (PDF) and mail it to your regional FHEO office.
- In person — at a regional HUD/FHEO office.
What happens after you file
- Intake & review. FHEO reviews your report and, if appropriate, drafts a formal signed complaint and confirms it is timely.
- Referral to Arizona. HUD generally refers the case to its certified state partner — in Arizona, the Arizona Attorney General’s Civil Rights Division — which investigates.
- Investigation & conciliation. An investigator gathers evidence from both sides; a voluntary settlement can be offered at any point.
- Determination. A finding of reasonable cause or not. If there is cause, HUD issues a Charge of Discrimination.
- Decision. The charge goes to a HUD administrative law judge, unless a party elects federal court, where the U.S. Department of Justice litigates for you.
Retaliation is illegal — on its own
It is a separate violation (42 U.S.C. § 3617) for the HOA to threaten, coerce, or retaliate against you for filing a complaint or asserting your fair-housing rights — or against anyone who helps you. If the HOA retaliates, that can be a brand-new complaint.