The total number of fair housing complaints broke a record for the third consecutive year, according to data from the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA).
During 2023, a total of 34,150 fair housing complaints were received, up from the 33,007 complaints received in 2022. NFHA noted there was a “noticeably steep increase” in complaints regarding harassment based on color or race, which increased year-over-year by 470.59% and 114.97%, respectively.
NFHA determined that private nonprofit fair housing organizations processed 75.52% of the complaints filed, while state- and local-level Fair Housing Assistance Program agencies processed 19.26% of complaints, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development processed 5.10% of complaints and the U.S. Department of Justice processed 0.12% of complaints.
NFHA added that most of the housing discrimination incidents that occur go unreported either because they are difficult to document or because individuals might fear facing retaliation or eviction if they file a complaint.
“The continued increase in reports of housing discrimination means lawmakers are simply not doing enough to provide adequate resources for the organizations serving on the frontlines educating the public about fair housing laws and helping individuals and families when crucial civil rights laws are broken,” said Lisa Rice, NFHA’s president and CEO. “Fifty-six years after the enactment of the Fair Housing Act, we still have not dismantled the longstanding systems that continue to perpetuate discrimination against women, people of color, people with disabilities, and other historically marginalized groups.”
Maybe the rise is due to an increase in “victim” culture and not actual discrimination.
There are 127M housing units in US, of which 34% are rental about 45M. 34k complaints (less than 1%) seems like emphasizing an area that is clearly secondary to the shortage of housing for people.
In no way does the above excuse the actions of some that seem to not be able to understand that their actions are tribal and have no place in this country.
Of the 34,150 complaints, how many were investigated? Of those complaints that were investigated, what percentage were found to be valid. An increase in complaints may not indicate a increase in violations; only more reports.
You don’t comment on how many of those reported claims of discrimination were found to be valid. I’d be interested to see that information.
Enough already…
If you fund more organizations to search for FHA violations, then more violations will be found.
If you want more affordable housing, then start blocking the wall street firms that are buying up the inventory and making them available for rent. No longer available for purchase. Look there first. (Presidential candidate RFK points directly to Blackrock, Vanguard, and State Street as firms that are doing that.)
Check page 15 of the report mentioned for the complaint clearance rates.
Anybody can complain about anything. Most cases Frivolous Complains.