Town of Westwood, MA
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Know your housing rights! Federal and state Fair Housing laws make it illegal to discriminate against people in housing-related matters.
Questions? Contact Amanda Wolfe, Housing & Land Use Planner
Protected Classes
| National Origin | Genetic Info | Age | Gender Identity | Veteran or Active Military Status |
| Color/Race | Disability | Marital Status | Sex | Source of Income* |
| Religion | Ancestry | Familial Status | Sexual Orientation | Children & Lead Paint+ |
* including vouchers, FHA loans, etc.
+ property owners must conduct lead abatement when renting to children under 18
Who is subject to Fair Housing?
Everyone, such as housing providers, housing professionals, and all levels of government.
What matters are subject to Fair Housing?
- Accessing/obtaining housing
- Housing discussion
- Housing decision-making
- Implementation of housing matters
Examples of Housing Discrimination
- Failing to make reasonable accommodations for a disability
- Real estate agent steering a buyer away from particular properties based on race
- Evicting a family with children because of the presence of lead paint
- Refusing to rent to a voucher recipient
- Restricting access to amenities to only allow tenants of market-rate units in a mixed income property
- Bank refusing to lend to a homebuyer due to sexual identity
Laws & Obligations
Both the landlord and tenant have legal obligations in leasing and maintaining safe and healthy housing.
- Massachusetts Landlord and Tenant Laws
- United States Department of Justice Fair Housing Act
- Fair Housing Center of Greater Boston
Health & Safety
Do you have health and safety concerns that are not being addressed by your landlord? Contact the Board of Health for an inspection to work toward remedying the condition.
Do you believe you have been subject to housing discrimination?
If you are unsure, the Town of Westwood's Housing & Land Use Planner is available to discuss your questions and help you understand your rights.
1. File Complaint(s)
Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD)
Independent state agency that enforces MA anti-discrimination laws, including housing-related laws. In most cases, you have 300 days from the last discriminatory act to file a housing complaint.
File a Complaint | About MCAD | MCAD Hearing Process
Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General's Civil Rights Division
Responds to civil rights violations under the Governor's Attorney General.
File a Complaint | About Civil Rights Complaints
2. Seek Legal Assistance (if desired)
- MetroMediation - mediation services for court, tenants & landlords, neighbors, consumers & businesses, etc.
- MetroWest Legal Help
- Massachusetts Bar Association
- Boston Bar Association