Fair Housing


Fair housing programs provided by Heights Community Congress consist of education, outreach and the monitoring of home sales and rentals in Cleveland Heights, University Heights and throughout Northeastern Ohio.

HCC receives funding to monitor (audit) the practices of real estate agents and rental property  owners/managers to determine if they are in adherence to the guidelines of the Fair Housing Act.

The Fair Housing Act states that it is against the law to discriminate  against potential homebuyers or renters because of race, religion, sex, color, national origin, familial status (families with children), and handicapped individuals.  In order to determine if these entities are engaging in discriminatory practices, HCC uses volunteers to assist with our Fair Housing Enforcement Program.

HCC volunteers help conduct real estate audits, which are a controlled measurement of the extent to which home seekers receive similar or different treatment.  These audits are then evaluated and, if warranted, appropriate enforcement action is initiated.  This auditing process remains the most effective means of detecting and reducing discriminatory housing practices.