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Dedicated Housing Discrimination Attorney Helping South Florida Residents Fight Back

Housing discrimination can cost a person a suitable home, application fees and valuable time. It may also leave the individual feeling frustrated or unwelcome in the community. Because the applicable protections and filing procedures may differ, working with an attorney can help pursue an appropriate remedy under federal, Florida or local law.

Attorney Hegel Laurent of Laurent Law Office, P.L., helps individuals in South Florida determine whether unequal treatment may support a legal claim. He provides meticulous, personal attention to clients throughout Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties.

What Types Of Housing Discrimination Are Prohibited?

The federal Fair Housing Act and Florida law protect people against discrimination based on:

  • Race
  • Color
  • National origin
  • Religion
  • Sex
  • Disability
  • Familial status

Familial-status protections cover families with children and individuals who are pregnant. Housing providers must also consider reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities when those changes are necessary for equal use and enjoyment of a home.

Local ordinances may provide broader protections. For example, Broward County protects additional classifications, including age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and lawful sources of income.

These income protections can apply to Section 8 vouchers and other housing assistance. Because coverage varies by county or municipality, attorney Laurent examines the law that applies to the property’s location.

What Are Common Signs Of Housing Discrimination?

Discrimination may be direct, or it may appear through inconsistent treatment. Warning signs can include:

  • Claiming an available unit has already been rented
  • Refusing to rent or sell after learning someone’s protected status
  • Charging higher deposits, fees or rent
  • Offering less favorable lease terms
  • Steering an applicant toward another neighborhood
  • Using discriminatory advertising language
  • Applying background-check standards selectively
  • Denying a reasonable disability accommodation
  • Retaliating after a complaint
  • Ignoring discriminatory harassment by management or other tenants

Emails, advertisements, applications and witness statements may help establish how differently a person was treated.

Contact The Firm About Housing Discrimination

Laurent Law Office, P.L., carefully reviews the facts and explains the available options. If you suspect unlawful treatment, dial 786-591-7418 or fill out the contact form to request a consultation with a South Florida housing discrimination attorney.