April is Fair Housing Month
This year, we celebrate nationwide, the 56th anniversary of the passage of the Fair Housing Act. The Act made discrimination in housing transactions unlawful, including the rental, refinance, and sale of housing. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, and familial status.
Locally, we are recognizing Fair Housing Month through City Council Proclamations, which are being received by Andrea Bifano, Rental Housing Mediation Supervisor, on behalf of the Rental Housing Mediation Program and Board, which provides, at no cost to participants, education, eviction prevention, mediation with the successful out-of-court resolution of rental housing disputes, thereby assisting in the prevention of homelessness. The Proclamations will be given by the Mayors of the Cities of Goleta (April 2, 2024), Carpinteria (April 8, 2024) and Santa Barbara (April 16, 2024).
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Federal: HUD - Office of Fair Housing/Equal Opportunity
State: California Civil Rights Department
Local: Rental Housing Mediation Program
To contact the Rental Housing Mediation Program call (805) 564-5420.