Fair Housing Information

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Fair Housing is for everyone! Fair Housing is a right protected by federal and state laws. Fair Housing means that you may freely choose a place to live without regard to your race, color, religion, sex, national origin or because you are disabled or have children in your family. Housing discrimination is rarely blatant. It is often disguised with a handshake and a smile. Your fair housing rights are violated when you are prevented from doing the following because of your race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or family status:

Viewing or renting an apartment
Viewing or purchasing a home
Applying for or securing a home loan.
Purchasing homeowners or renters insurance.

Fair Housing is the law. It is unlawful to deny anyone the opportunity to live where they want and can afford. If you feel you are being treated unfairly, take the following steps:

Keep a record of any meeting and phone calls with the landlord, the property managers, real estate agent, loan officer or insurance agent. Include the person’s name, title, and the meeting date and time.
Write down what happened and what was said by all participants. Save all receipts, applications, leases, business cards, brochures, or other documents that you were given.
Call the City of Fort Smith Fair Housing Hotline at 479-784-2214.

What You Can Do to Support Fair Housing

Support your local fair housing group. Refer those with fair housing complaints to the housing program for assistance. Hold your elected officials and other officers accountable for supporting fair housing. Encourage your friends and neighbors to support fair housing.

Fair Housing Documents

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