Fair Housing Educational Guide

Fair Housing: Know Your Rights & Resources

Everyone deserves access to safe, fair, and affordable housing—free from discrimination.

SEDA COG is committed to promoting fair and equal access to housing for all individuals and families across our region. Federal and state laws protect people from housing discrimination and ensure equal opportunity in renting, buying, financing, and using housing.

This guide provides a clear overview of Fair Housing rights, outlines protected classes under federal and Pennsylvania law, and connects you with trusted resources if you believe discrimination has occurred.

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.

Fair Housing Month – April

Each April, communities across the country observe Fair Housing Month to commemorate the passage of the Federal Fair Housing Act and to raise awareness of housing rights and protections for all.

What Is Fair Housing?

Fair Housing means you have the right to choose and access housing without discrimination.

Federal and state Fair Housing laws prohibit discrimination in:

  • Renting or leasing housing
  • Buying or selling a home
  • Mortgage lending and homeowners insurance
  • Housing advertisements
  • Zoning and land use decisions
  • Requests for reasonable accommodations or modifications

These laws apply to both intentional discrimination and policies or practices that may unintentionally limit housing choice or access.

Protected Classes Under Fair Housing Laws

Federal Fair Housing Act

Housing discrimination is prohibited based on:

  • Race
  • Color
  • Religion
  • Sex
  • National origin
  • Familial status (presence of children under 18)
  • Disability

Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA)

Pennsylvania law provides additional protections, including:

  • Age (40 and older)
  • Ancestry
  • Use, handling, or training of a guide or support animal for a disability

Local ordinances may provide additional protections beyond state and federal law.

Examples of Housing Discrimination

Housing discrimination may occur when someone is treated differently because of a protected characteristic.
Examples include:

  • Refusing to rent or sell housing
  • Offering different terms, conditions, or services
  • Providing false information about availability
  • Discriminatory advertising or statements
  • Failing to allow reasonable accommodations
  • Enforcing rules or zoning policies that limit housing choice

Reasonable Accommodations & Accessibility

Housing providers are required to make reasonable accommodations to rules, policies, or services when needed for a person with a disability to fully use and enjoy their housing.

Examples may include:

  • Allowing assistance or support animals
  • Providing reserved or accessible parking
  • Offering alternative communication methods
  • Adjusting procedures or policies

Requests are reviewed case by case.

Think You’ve Experienced Housing Discrimination?

You have the right to file a Fair Housing complaint.

Fair Housing & CDBG Programs

SEDA COG administers federally funded housing and community development programs and is required to comply with Fair Housing laws and affirmatively further fair housing through:

  • Education and outreach
  • Nondiscriminatory program administration
  • Access to information and referrals

Fair Housing Resources

Fair Housing resources are available for:

  • Residents and tenants
  • Homebuyers
  • Landlords and housing providers
  • Local governments

Resources are offered through PHRC, HUD, and local Fair Housing organizations.

Equal Opportunity Statement

SEDA COG is an equal opportunity employer and service provider and does not discriminate based on protected characteristics. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

Additional Resources

Looking for help paying for housing, utilities, or repairs?

These resources can help renters, homeowners, and homebuyers find affordable housing options and financial assistance.

Rental Assistance & Tenant Resources

Homebuyer & Homeowner Assistance

Need Immediate Help?

If you are facing housing discrimination, visit our Fair Housing page or file a complaint with:

Fair Housing Tools for Grantees

These resources are intended for municipalities, housing providers, and CDBG/ HUD grantees.

Fair Housing Compliance Basics

Fair Housing Toolkits & Guidance

Grantee Responsibilities

Grantees must:

  • Comply with Fair Housing laws
  • Avoid discriminatory policies or practices
  • Affirmatively further fair housing through education, outreach, and program administration

SEDA COG provides technical assistance and compliance support to participating communities.

Planning & AFFH Documents

These resources support local governments, planners, and elected officials.

Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH)

Fair Housing Planning Resources

Training & Education

These resources support housing providers, counselors, municipal staff, and community partners.

Fair Housing & Housing Counseling Training

Pennsylvania Based Training Opportunities