Fair Housing
Fair Housing in Richland County
Everyone deserves a fair and equal chance to find a home.
The Fair Housing Act is a national law that protects people from being treated unfairly when renting or buying a home, applying for a mortgage, or using housing assistance. It also applies to anyone involved in other housing-related activities.
This law helps make sure that people can live where they choose — without fear of being treated differently because of who they are.
Who Is Protected by the Fair Housing Act?
The law says you cannot be discriminated against because of:
- Race
- Color
- National origin (where you or your family come from)
- Religion
- Sex, including gender identity and sexual orientation
- Sexual harassment
- Disability (physical or mental)
- Family status (such as having children under 18, being pregnant, or gaining custody of a child)
What Counts as Housing Discrimination?
You may be facing housing discrimination if:
- A landlord refuses to rent to you because of your race or family status
- A seller treats you differently during the home-buying process
- A bank offers you worse loan terms because of your religion or gender
- You’re denied a reasonable change to your home for a disability
- These actions are illegal. You have the right to report them.
Fair Housing and Public Programs
When federal money is used in housing or community programs, the law requires fair treatment for everyone. That includes local governments, housing authorities, and nonprofits that receive federal support. These groups must follow civil rights laws and work to remove unfair barriers to housing.
What Richland County Is Doing to Support Fair Housing
Richland County works closely with local housing partners and the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission to make sure fair housing laws are followed. We created a Fair Housing Assessment in 2017 to identify and remove barriers to equal housing.
We are committed to taking real action to make sure everyone has fair access to safe and affordable housing.
Fair Housing Month – April 2025
Every April, Richland County celebrates Fair Housing Month to mark the anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, signed into law on April 11, 1968.
This law was a major step forward in civil rights. It was created to stop discrimination in the housing market and break up racial segregation in neighborhoods.
Today, the law helps protect people of all backgrounds — and calls on local, state, and national governments to work together to create fair and equal access to housing.
Need to Report Housing Discrimination?
If you think your rights were violated, you can file a complaint. Both the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission accept housing discrimination complaints.
Here’s how you can file a report:
File a Complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
HUD investigates housing discrimination under the Fair Housing Act. You can submit a complaint online or by phone.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
451 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20410
File a Complaint with the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission
The South Carolina Human Affairs Commission enforces state fair housing laws and can help you resolve issues locally.
- Online: File a complaint
- Phone: 803-737-7800
- In Person or by Mail:
South Carolina Human Affairs Commission
1026 Sumter Street, Suite 101
Columbia, SC 29201
You can file with either agency — or both — depending on your situation. If you’re unsure where to start, the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission can often help guide you.