Housing Discrimination and Civil Rights

No landlord, broker or property manager may refuse to rent to you, set different terms, or harass you because of who you are. Massachusetts and federal law (G.L. c. 151B, § 4 and the federal Fair Housing Act) protect renters and applicants based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, having children, and receiving public assistance or a housing voucher.

We handle

Refusals to rent, including turning away Section 8 and other voucher holders
Reasonable accommodation and modification requests for tenants with disabilities
Assistance animal and service animal disputes
Refusals to rent to families with children, including because of lead paint
Harassment and retaliation by landlords, managers or neighbors
Complaints at the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) and in court

Deadlines matter. An MCAD complaint generally must be filed within 300 days of the discrimination.