Eviction policies can result in discriminating against certain groups protected under the Fair Housing Act including those with disabilities because:
- Often these groups have lower incomes which makes it difficult for them to keep up with the rising costs of housing and paying rent.
- Sometimes rent due dates do not coincide with the timing of Social Security payments or employer paychecks.
- Landlords usually start the eviction process immediately after rent payment is late instead of waiting a reasonable amount of time for the person to catch up.
Landlords should be fair and consistent in their eviction practices because people who are evicted face increased negative physical and mental health outcomes and are at higher risk for dying.
Persons with disabilities can request and receive reasonable accommodations such as allowing a different due date for rent. For instance, a person may need a different due date because her Social Security payment comes on the second Tuesday of each month and rent is due on the 1st and late on the 3rd.
Need Assistance?
Visit www.DRTx.org/HUDcomplaint to use our free online tool that helps you create your complaint letter.
If you need help asking for a reasonable accommodation due to credit history, contact the Disability Rights Texas housing team at 1-800-252-9108 or request help online at Intake.DRTx.org.
If you are still unable to get the accommodation, you can file a complaint with HUD’s housing discrimination complaint website: tinyurl.com/HUDHousingComplaint or via email at ComplaintsOffice06@HUD.gov.
The work that provided the basis for this publication 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.
Download the Eviction & Fair Housing Act flyer
Publication Code: HS23
www.DRTx.org
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Purple 2 Video Phone: 512-271-9391
Online Intake available 24/7: intake.DRTx.org
Disclaimer: Disability Rights Texas strives to update its materials on an annual basis, and this handout is based upon the law at the time it was written. The law changes frequently and is subject to various interpretations by different courts. Future changes in the law may make some information in this handout inaccurate.
The handout is not intended to and does not replace an attorney’s advice or assistance based on your particular situation.
To request this handout in ASL, Braille, or as an audio file, contact us.
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