Housing Discrimination in Massachusetts: The Laws & History
Making sure that landlords and property managers comply with state, local, and federal laws is a big deal. If you’re one of those landlords, a part of your job is knowing those regulations front and back so that you are always doing what is necessary… and not stepping over any lines. As a renter, knowing your rights is important too. Getting familiar with housing discrimination in Massachusetts if you deal with any rental properties in that state is important.
These things need to be always at the top of our minds when we deal with property services… whatever part of the process it is. Our Boston property management solutions include advertising, screening, applications, tenant management, and so much more that involves things that could be done in a biased or discriminatory way… so knowing the law and treating people fairly is incredibly important. So, what does housing discrimination in Massachusetts mean when it comes to the local laws, and what are some common questions that people have in regards to them? Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
- The Current Laws Regarding Housing Discrimination in Massachusetts
- FAQ
- For Landlords: How Professional Property Management Can Help
The Current Laws Regarding Housing Discrimination in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has a long history of combating housing discrimination. Some of its efforts actually came before many federal initiatives to fight discrimination. In 1946, the state enacted the Massachusetts Fair Housing Law, also known as Chapter 151B. What was that? It prohibited discrimination in housing based on race, color, religious creed, national origin, or ancestry. Over the years, this law has been expanded to include additional protected classes.
Also in 1946 there was established something called the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD). It serves as the primary agency for enforcing the state’s anti-discrimination laws. MCAD is responsible for investigating complaints, conducting hearings, and providing education on civil rights issues. Its creation marked a significant step in the state’s dedication to ensuring equal housing opportunities for all residents.
Massachusetts has faced challenges. There is no getting around that. Segregation and discrimination were instilled in so much of what people did if you go back in its history. In the early 20th century, discriminatory laws and practices led to a lot of segregation… particularly in Eastern Massachusetts. For example, certain public housing projects were designated for white-only occupancy, while others became predominantly nonwhite due to discriminatory assignment practices by the Boston Housing Authority. While most other places in the U.S. had similar discrimination and segregation built into their everyday practices, Massachusetts has its own history that shouldn’t be forgotten.
Today, Massachusetts law is much more robust when it comes to these matters… discrimination is addressed in a major way. Current law prohibits discrimination in housing based on many protected classes or characteristics, which includes race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, ancestry, genetic information, marital status, veteran or active military status, age, familial status, and source of income. Keep in mind though. These particular protected classes may vary some from one state to the other.
FAQ
How do I File a Housing Discrimination Complaint?
If you think you’ve experienced housing or rental discrimination in Massachusetts, there are things you can do. Don’t just accept it. If you’ve been unfairly treated, there are usually legal actions that you have at your disposal. You can file a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD). Complaints must be filed within 300 days of the alleged discriminatory act. To initiate the process, you can visit one of MCAD’s offices in Boston, Springfield, Worcester, or New Bedford, or file a complaint online on their website (scroll down until you see the button File a Complaint of Discrimination).
What are Some Examples of Housing Discrimination Cases in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has addressed various housing discrimination cases. For instance, in 2022, the Attorney General’s office settled cases where prospective tenants were denied housing due to their use of public assistance, a violation of state anti-discrimination laws. These settlements underscore the state’s commitment to enforcing fair housing practices. A more recent example is the case of the Chicopee Housing Authority, in which they settled in a disability and race discrimination lawsuit. Housing discrimination in Massachusetts is still a part of ongoing legal disputes.
Where Can I Find More Information about Housing Discrimination?
For comprehensive information on housing discrimination, the Massachusetts government provides resources detailing your rights and the complaint process. Also organizations like MassHousing offer educational materials and support services to help individuals understand and combat housing discrimination.
For Landlords: How Professional Property Management Can Help
If you own rental property and want to avoid rental discrimination at all costs, consider hiring a professional property management team. Companies like Bay Property Management Group are well-versed in all the local and non-local Fair Housing Laws and will make sure that your processes are compliant from one tenant to the next. We know what we’re doing.
A comprehensive property management company can help save you time and effort while handling all the ins and outs. So if you find yourself spending too much time tending to rentals when you could be growing your business, contact BMG today! We offer comprehensive property services in Boston, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Northern Virginia, and elsewhere.
