Classes protected under state and federal law

Preparing your case

In many situations, discriminatory acts can be difficult to prove. Here are some suggestions for establishing and preparing your case.

1. Make sure you have a copy of your lease or rental agreement.

2. Make all repair requests or complaints to your landlord in writing.

3. Keep a copy of any and all written correspondence with your landlord.

4. Keep a copy of all notices and complaints served upon you by your landlord.

5. Keep records of your monthly rental payments, such as check stubs, money order receipts, written receipts from your landlord.

6. Keep a record of anyone, such as neighbors, who may have witnessed any discriminatory acts. Addresses and telephone number are important.

7. Keep a written log noting names, dates and times of particular events so a clear picture of what happened and when can be created.

8. If you were denied housing, keep a record of:

a. Whom you dealt with, such as a landlord, owner or real estate agent.

b. All phone numbers called and with whom you spoke to, including their title.

c. The address and type of housing you sought, such as an apartment townhouse, condominium, etc.

d. All advertisements regarding the property in question.

e.  A written record of any discriminatory statements made and by whom

f. Date of when you were seeking housing or when the alleged discrimination occurred.