Federal Law Reference for Women's Rights
HOUSING
Federal law prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of sex and other protected characteristics. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) enforces the primary federal housing statute.
Fair Housing Act of 1968
42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq.
Prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. Applies to most housing. Enforced by HUD and the Department of Justice. Sex discrimination includes sexual harassment in housing.
VAWA Housing Protections
34 U.S.C. § 12491 et seq.
Prohibits eviction or denial of housing assistance to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking solely on the basis of their victim status. Applies to public housing, Section 8, and other HUD-assisted housing programs. Survivors may request an emergency transfer to a new unit.
Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968
12 U.S.C. § 1701u
Requires that, to the greatest extent feasible, employment and economic opportunities generated by HUD assistance be directed toward low- and very low-income persons, including women in public housing.
Retaliation Protections
42 U.S.C. § 3617 (Fair Housing Act)
The Fair Housing Act prohibits retaliation against any person who exercises rights protected under the Act, including filing a complaint or assisting in an investigation. HUD investigates retaliation complaints alongside underlying discrimination claims.