COUNSELING AND FILING A COMPLAINT

 

If you believe your Fair Housing rights have been violated, call Legal Services at (850) 432-8222 (Pensacola) or (850) 862-6327 (Fort Walton Beach) or (850) 769-3581 (Panama City) as soon as possible.  We will investigate your complaint and assist you in determining what action should be taken.

 

How to File a Complaint Alleging Housing Discrimination

 

You can file an administrative complaint within one year of the housing discrimination incident. You have two years to file a federal civil court action. Don't wait for the deadline. Call immediately.

 

What to Expect When You Call Us

 

When you call, depending on the circumstances:

 

· Our Housing Attorney will listen to the specifics of your situation and record basic information about you - your name, telephone number, address, name and address of the offending party, date of the offense, name and address of the apartment or home that you wish to rent.

· You may be asked for a timeline of what happened.

· LSNF may conduct an investigation.

· You may hire a private attorney and file an action in federal court within two years of the discriminatory incident.

· LSNF will work to resolve the matter by working with you directly or by forwarding the case to a lawyer or to HUD.

· LSNF will not do anything without getting your consent.

 

Filing a Complaint Online

 

You may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) within one year of the discriminatory incident. To file a complaint online with HUD click here.

 

You may file a complaint with the State of Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) within one year of the discriminatory incident. To file a complaint online with FCHR click here.

 

If Your Complaint is Successful

 

If you are able to prove that you have been a victim of discrimination you may be entitled to receive compensation for actual damages, including humiliation, pain and suffering, and other relief.

 

In federal court you may also receive punitive damages. If you are successful, the person who discriminated against you must pay your attorney's fees.