State and Federal Fair Housing Laws protect all from housing discrimination, even during a pandemic.
The Colorado Civil Rights Division exists in part to ensure all Coloradans have access to housing free from discrimination. Housing providers are prohibited from discriminating based on protected class pursuant to the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA). CCRD enforces CADA through the investigation of complaints of discrimination. Additionally, as a Fair Housing Agency Program, CCRD works in close collaboration with HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.
Over the past several months, there have been a number of new and difficult circumstances to which most of us have had to adjust. Despite all of these changes the protections and responsibilities created by fair housing laws remain. Housing discrimination issues that are of particular concern in light of COVID-19 are:
- Discrimination based on national origin, ancestry, and/or race. Asian Americans in particular might be subjected to disparate or unfair treatment based on Anti-Asian bigotry stemming from COVID-19. Learn more about stigma and COVID-19 from the WHO.
- Refusal to make reasonable accommodations that are necessary to ensure the equal opportunity for full use and enjoyment of housing. See guidance issued by the National Fair Housing Alliance.
- Quid quo pro sexual harassment. For example, a landlord or property manager offering to delay a rent due date in exchange for a sexual act. Learn more about sexual harassment in housing.
Another key to ensuring Fair Housing is that housing providers are consistently and fairly enforcing rules, policies, and/or procedures - including temporary changes made in light of COVID-19.
Read the statement about Fair Housing and COVID-19 from our federal partner, HUD.
Access Executive Orders issued related to housing.
Review a past advisory issued by CCRD regarding the above orders, including a model repayment agreement
For detailed information related to Housing and COVID-19, including resources for housing providers, renters, and borrowers, visit the Department of Local Affair's Division of Housing (DOLA - DOH) Housing & COVID19 resource page. While we recognize that many Coloradans have been economically impacted by COVID-19, and as such are struggling to pay for vital services like housing and utilities, actions by a landlord or financial institution enforcing nonpayment of rent or pursuing foreclosure or eviction does not constitute discrimination unless those practices are being enforced selectively with a protected class. Governor Polis has issued Executive Order D 2020 051 directing the limitation of evictions, foreclosures, and public utilities disconnections, and pursuant to this order, resources for those struggling to pay for vital services are available through the Department of Local Affairs' Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention page.
If you believe that you have been subjected to a discrimination based on protected in housing, employment, or a place of public accommodation, file a complaint of discrimination in order to allow the CCRD to conduct an investigation.
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