Am I protected from housing discrimination in New Jersey?

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There are a number of laws that protect New Jersey residents from facing discrimination when it comes time to buy or rent a home. If you are looking into buying or renting a home, it is important that you are aware of your rights. Some landlords or real estate agencies may, unfortunately, try to deny you a home due to your race, sex, national origin, familial status, religion, or disability. Fortunately, there are laws that state the landlord or real estate agency is not allowed to deny you housing or provide different conditions for you based on these protected classes. Housing discrimination should not be tolerated so it is important to stand up for your rights.

There are both state and federal laws that work to protect those who are trying to secure housing. The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits anyone from threatening or intimidating any person who makes a complaint regarding housing discrimination. In addition, there are a number of other protections that are put in place to protect people who have disabilities. For example, if a blind person who needs a service dog lives in a housing unit that doesn’t allow pets, the landlord has to allow the service dog to live with them. The landlord is required to allow the disabled person to make reasonable accommodations that would allow them to live in the unit more comfortably.

If you believe your rights to secure housing have been violated, it is important that you file a complaint with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. You should also contact an experienced attorney at MWM who can provide you with assistance.

The law firm of Mattleman, Weinroth & Miller, P.C., is composed of experienced attorneys throughout the states of New Jersey and Delaware. Please contact the office for a free initial consultation and get any questions answered regarding your specific case.