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File a Housing Discrimination Complaint
Please visit our Fair Housing page for to help identify if you have been the victim of housing discrimination! If you believe that you were a victim of housing discrimination be sure to write down the details and then take action.
You may file a complaint with both the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
MCAD handles all discrimination complaints that fall under state law as well as violations of the federal Fair Housing Act.
HUD is the federal agency which receives and investigates housing discrimination complaints that violate federal law.
The FHCGB is a private advocacy organization for victims of housing discrimination.
If you challenge discriminatory housing practices and your claim is informally settled or you receive a favorable decision by a court you could receive:
If you have additional comments, questions, or concerns, please feel free to contact the Community Development Department via 978-674-4252.
You may file a complaint with both the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD)
MCAD handles all discrimination complaints that fall under state law as well as violations of the federal Fair Housing Act.
Complaints
- Complaints of housing discrimination must be filed within 6 months of the most recent violation.
- For more information contact:
- MCAD located at:
- MCAD
One Ashburton Place
Sixth Floor, Room 601
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-994-6000
- MCAD
- MCAD located at:
U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD)
HUD is the federal agency which receives and investigates housing discrimination complaints that violate federal law.
Complaints
- Complaints must be filed with HUD within one year of the most recent violation.
- For more information contact the HUD Fair Housing Discrimination Hotline at 800-669-9777 or TDD 800-669-9275
- You may also contact the HUD Regional Office in Boston at:
- Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr.
Federal Building
10 Causeway Street
Room 321
Boston, MA 02222
Phone: 800-827-5005
Email
- Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr.
Fair Housing Center of Greater Boston (FHCGB)
The FHCGB is a private advocacy organization for victims of housing discrimination.
Complaints
- It can assist you with filing a complaint in court or with MCAD or HUD, and may act as an advocate on your behalf.
- The address and contact information for the FHCGB is:
- FHCGB
59 Temple Place
Number 1105
Boston, MA 02111
Phone: 671-399-0491
TTY: 800-439-2370
- FHCGB
Benefits of Filing a Housing Discrimination Complaint
If you challenge discriminatory housing practices and your claim is informally settled or you receive a favorable decision by a court you could receive:
- The housing you wanted.
- Compensation for costs such as temporary housing or moving expenses.
- Compensation for any emotional damages suffered as a result of the discrimination.
- An order prohibiting future discrimination or requiring the owner/agent to rent to other qualified home-seekers who are members of a protected class.
- Your attorney's fees paid.
- Satisfaction of knowing that you challenged discrimination and that other people may not go through the pain and frustration you experienced.
Additional Information
If you have additional comments, questions, or concerns, please feel free to contact the Community Development Department via 978-674-4252.