The work that provided the basis for this event was supported by funding under a grant with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The substance and findings of the work are dedicated to the public. The author and publisher are solely responsible for the accuracy of the statements and interpretations contained in this publication. Such interpretations do not necessarily reflect the views of the Federal Government.
Religion




There’s no room for religious hate in housing!
Your faith, your culture, and your national origin are all valued under the Fair Housing Act.
Religion was one of the first four protected classes covered by the Fair Housing Act of 1968. People of all religions are protected, including people who have no religion or even the perception of being a part of a religious group.
Remember that you have rights and that there are organizations like HOME available to assist you! Please fill out this form if you are denied because of your religion or beliefs.
You are also protected from harassment in your neighborhood!
Learn more: Harassment in Your Neighborhood: English | Arabic
Learn more about all of your Fair Housing Rights: English | Spanish | Korean | Arabic | Dari
Examples of religious discrimination may include:
- Advertising and/or discouraging people of different religious beliefs from applying for housing.
- Displaying religious symbols as a property manager. A landlord displaying a religious symbol implies that housing is for members of a certain religion.
- Denying tenants the opportunity to display religious symbols.
- Allowing Christian tenants to put up holiday decorations (Christmas lights, Easter bunnies etc.) while refusing to allow other tenants to put up non-Christian holiday decorations.
- Asking or telling someone to remove religious clothing such as a scarf, hijab, burka, keiffiyeh, kippah, or any other clothing or symbol related to their religious faith.
- Harassing or failing to act when neighbors harass due to a person’s religion.
- Telling an applicant they will not like the neighborhood because there is no house of worship for their faith nearby
- Grouping or requiring those of similar religious faiths to live in apartments in a certain area of the building.
- Prohibiting the use of a community room for religious purposes, while allowing tenants to use them for secular gatherings.
It is important to note that the Fair Housing Act does not just protect you based upon your membership in a protected class. You are also protected from housing discrimination based on the perception of your membership in a protected class.