What is Fair Housing?

ne of our most fundamental rights as American citizens is to live peaceably where we chose.  Fair Housing is the right of all citizens to buy, sell or rent residential property, and to live where they wish without discriminatory criteria.  Having chosen a place to live, we are guaranteed the right to reside there peacefully, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, family status, or disability.

The Housing Authority of St. Mary's County, Maryland maintains a stewardship role in providing information on and in advocating compliance with Federal and State Fair Housing Laws.  The Housing Authority disseminates brochures, posters, newsletters and other handouts which advocate Fair Housing Awareness.  Additionally, the Housing Authority airs a 3-video series on the County’s public television station which focus on Smart Growth, Fair Housing Law and Hate Crimes.  Feel free to come by our main office location and pick up information on Fair Housing, or call the contracted distributor of this information for Southern Maryland, the Greater Baltimore Community Housing Resource Board, Inc. (GBCHRB). 

The Board of County Commissioners for St. Mary’s County have declared April as Fair Housing Month and issues a Proclamation annually, which reaffirms the county’s dedication to the principles of equal opportunity on which the Fair Housing Act is grounded.  Further, the St. Mary’s County Housing Authority Board enacted Resolution #99-10, which reaffirmed the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 and support for housing assistance and accommodations for persons with disabilities.

If you feel you were discriminated against while trying to secure or maintain a residence, there are several ways you can complain.  You may do so electronically at Maryland Commission on Human Relations or you may put your complaint in writing and either fax to (410) 333-1841 or mail to: 

            Maryland Commission on Human Relations
            Attn:  Intake Unit
            6 Paul Street, 9^th Floor
            Baltimore, Maryland  21202