Fair Housing Board

The Fair Housing Board was formed to ensure that all Clevelanders receive fair and equal treatment in relation to housing. Illegal discrimination in housing can occur due to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, ethnic group, Vietnam-era or disabled veteran status, familial status, marital status or ancestry.

In addition, the Fair Housing Board promotes the principles of the City of Cleveland's Diversity Statement as follows:

City of Cleveland Diversity Statement

The City of Cleveland is committed to improving the quality of life of its residents. We recognize that the diversity of a community is integral to creating vibrant neighborhoods of choice where people want to live and work.

A diverse community enriches the lives of its residents, promotes respect and appreciation for other cultures and should be recognized as a source of strength. A diverse community broadens the experience of its residents and prepares them to participate in an increasingly challenging society.

By embracing diversity, the City of Cleveland acknowledges the benefits of an inclusive community in which full and active participation of all its residents is desired, valued and encouraged regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender,marital or familial status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, language, socioeconomic status, Vietnam-era or disabled veteran status, or any other distinguishing characteristic that all too often divides people in society.

The City is committed to ensuring that its citizens have equal access to opportunities, full participation in civic affairs, and mutual understanding between individuals of diverse backgrounds. The City of Cleveland further commits to work with decision makers, stakeholders, and residents to support fair housing policies and eliminate obstacles that may impede progress toward achieving the goal of a diverse community.

Fair Housing Discrimination Complaint Filing

216.664.2018 - Espanol: 664.2019 -  Weekdays 8 am to 5 pm - 601 Lakeside Ave.

Any person who believes they are the victim of illegal discrimination in the City of Cleveland can file a complaint by calling the Fair Housing Board.

Related paperwork should be on hand before making the phone call. This can include a lease, mortgage papers, written letters, and names and phone numbers of witnesses. The Board’s staff will review the complaint to see if there have been violations, and a means to resolve the conflict will be presented. If that does not work, there will be an investigation to see whether or not there should be a hearing. If there is a hearing, the Board will decide if a law was broken or if one was about to be broken.