Fresno Housing Discrimination Lawyer

It is illegal for property owners, landlords, screening companies, home sellers, real estate agents, and other entities to take actions that deny tenants fair access to housing. However, housing discrimination is still a reality for many residents and can come in many forms, including refusing to rent, sell, or lease a space and harassing or evicting tenants based on protected characteristics.

If you are unable to access housing because of a property owner or lender’s illegal actions, a Fresno housing discrimination lawyer could help you get justice. The dedicated tenant attorneys at Elder & Spencer are passionate about fighting for tenants’ rights to fair housing access. Schedule a consultation to learn how we could help you file a claim today.

What Is Housing Discrimination?

Housing discrimination occurs when providers of housing and services related to housing (like mortgage loans) deny access to fair housing or services based on protected characteristics. This may include denial of housing access because of an individual’s race, color, religion, sex, marital status, age, medical conditions, sexual orientation, and more.

Discrimination occurs in many forms, making it challenging to detect and prove. Actions that may be considered housing discrimination can include:

  • Denial of a home loan or homeowner’s insurance
  • Informing applicants that a space is unavailable when it is available
  • Harassing tenants, or cancellation or termination of a sale or rental agreement
  • Refusal to sell, rent, or lease rooms, apartments, homes, or other types of housing
  • Conducting screening in a way that discriminates based on a protected characteristic
  • Refusal to make reasonable accommodations in housing rules, policies, or practices necessary to provide disabled individuals equal opportunities

A Fresno housing discrimination attorney could provide guidance on your rights, help gather evidence to build a strong case, and ensure you receive fair treatment.

How Could a Housing Discrimination Attorney Help?

California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act prohibits people or entities from discriminating against or harassing tenants, homeowners, housing applicants, residents, and their guests. A skilled lawyer in Fresno could help gather evidence and file a housing discrimination claim to get the justice they deserve. Filing a civil claim for housing discrimination can allow tenants to get financial compensation for damages related to the incident.

What Kind of Compensation Can You Get for Housing Discrimination?

Victims of housing discrimination may be eligible for financial compensation for the following damages:

  • Emotional distress
  • Punitive damages
  • Financial losses, including attorney fees
  • Recovery from violence or threats of violence

Housing discrimination limits protected classes of people to inferior housing in ways that can affect their quality of life. Such discrimination can limit employment and education opportunities, access to healthcare, and other opportunities. A Fresno legal professional could help navigate the complexities of housing discrimination claims.

Enlist the Help of a Housing Discrimination Attorney in Fresno Today

In California, building owners and property owners have a legal responsibility to be fair when offering housing for sale or rent. Victims of housing discrimination can seek justice by filing a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing or filing in civil court. However, discrimination isn’t always easy to prove.

When you face housing discrimination, an experienced Fresno housing discrimination lawyer could help you gather evidence to support your claim and act as an advocate throughout the legal process. Contact the skilled attorneys at Elder & Spencer and schedule a consultation to learn about your legal options.