[TN] How do I handle housing discrimination?
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In Tennessee, your son may be protected under both federal and state fair housing laws, including the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Tennessee Human Rights Act.
These laws prohibit housing discrimination based on disability and require landlords to make reasonable accommodations when necessary for equal use and enjoyment of a dwelling. From what you’ve described, it appears the landlord may have violated these laws by:
Failing to provide reasonable accommodations after a written request was made; and creating or allowing conditions that interfered with your son’s use of the leased premises, potentially due to the construction on either side.
Here’s what you can do:
File a complaint with HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development):
You can file an administrative complaint online, by phone, or by mail. HUD investigates housing discrimination claims and may facilitate settlement or initiate enforcement actions.
www.hud.gov or Phone: 1-800-669-9777
File a complaint with the Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC):
They enforce Tennessee’s housing discrimination laws. This can be done instead of, or in addition to, a HUD complaint.
www.tn.gov or Phone: 1-800-251-3589
Seek compensatory damages for harm suffered:
If discrimination is found, your son may be entitled to:
- Out-of-pocket expenses (e.g., medical expenses if his condition worsened)
- Emotional distress
- Possibly punitive damages
- Reasonable attorney’s fees if pursued in court
You may also consider writing a detailed written statement documenting:
- The accommodation request (date, method, and content)
- The landlord’s response or failure to respond
- The nature and impact of the construction
- How it affected your son’s health, comfort, or access to the premises
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Full Conversation
My disabled son was subject to housing discrimination, and I am seeking compensation for him.
I'm sorry to hear about the discrimination your son faced. Can you provide more details about what happened?
The landlord began construction on both sides of our leased premises and refused to offer reasonable accommodations when requested in writing.
Have you already filed a complaint with any housing authorities or organizations regarding this discrimination?
No
Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured, they'll be able to help with housing discrimination.
Yes
Hello. My name is Richard and I have been a licensed attorney for over 25 years and hope to be of assistance. Please be advised that this website is for information purposes only, and I cannot formally represent customers of this website or perform actual legal services on your behalf.
I know your question is important, and I’m working on typing an answer to your question now. Sometimes responses and replies take time, and we ask you to be courteous and patient to allow the expert to type your answers to you and also to others.
What state are you in?
Tennessee
In Tennessee, your son may be protected under both federal and state fair housing laws, including the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Tennessee Human Rights Act.
These laws prohibit housing discrimination based on disability and require landlords to make reasonable accommodations when necessary for equal use and enjoyment of a dwelling. From what you’ve described, it appears the landlord may have violated these laws by:
Failing to provide reasonable accommodations after a written request was made; and creating or allowing conditions that interfered with your son’s use of the leased premises, potentially due to the construction on either side.
Here’s what you can do:
File a complaint with HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development):
You can file an administrative complaint online, by phone, or by mail. HUD investigates housing discrimination claims and may facilitate settlement or initiate enforcement actions.
www.hud.gov or Phone: 1-800-669-9777
File a complaint with the Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC):
They enforce Tennessee’s housing discrimination laws. This can be done instead of, or in addition to, a HUD complaint.
www.tn.gov or Phone: 1-800-251-3589
Seek compensatory damages for harm suffered:
If discrimination is found, your son may be entitled to:
- Out-of-pocket expenses (e.g., medical expenses if his condition worsened)
- Emotional distress
- Possibly punitive damages
- Reasonable attorney’s fees if pursued in court
You may also consider writing a detailed written statement documenting:
- The accommodation request (date, method, and content)
- The landlord’s response or failure to respond
- The nature and impact of the construction
- How it affected your son’s health, comfort, or access to the premises
How do I find a lawyer to represent me?
Your local bar association can give you a referral to a licensed attorney in your area.
If you have any follow up questions, please let me know.
