Housing Discrimination: Complaint Filing
Basis of Complaints:
The Human Relations Department processes both housing discrimination and landlord/tenant complaints. In order to initiate either complaint, we must have what is called "prima facie evidence" that your complaint is legitimate and valid.
How to File Housing Discrimination Complaints:
To file a housing discrimination complaint, a HUD Form 903 must be completed. You may file a complaint with us by either:
1. Contacting the Winston-Salem Human Relations Department at 727-2429 to
request this form; or
2. Visiting our office in person to request a form and to receive assistance in
completing it. We are located in City Hall at 101 North Main Street in Suite 109;
or
3. Mailing a complaint form to us at our mailing address: Winston-Salem Human
Relations Department, P.O. Box 2511, Winston-Salem, NC 27101.
Generally, complaints concerning housing discrimination allegations must be based on discrimination due to race, color, national origin, disability, religion, gender, or disability involving the transacting of real estate (i.e., buying or renting or attempting to buy or rent property). The Department and Commission accept complaints from residents of the City of Winston-Salem who reside in both subsidized and non-federally subsidized housing.
Upon the completion of the investigations, a final determination is made by the Director to decide whether there is reasonable cause to believe that discrimination has taken place. If reasonable cause is determined, the parties are advised that they may choose resolution before either the superior court or an administrative hearing with the Human Relations Commission. If reasonable cause is not determined, the parties are advised that there is insufficient evidence of discrimination. Despite the determination, the parties always have the right to pursue the matter with their own personal attorneys through a court of law.
How to File Landlord/Tenant Complaints:
The Department accepts complaints from either landlords or tenants. To file a landlord/tenant complaint, a written complaint should be filed with our Department. If the initial complaint is brought to our attention through a letter or telephone call, investigators will request that you complete the Department's Landlord/Tenant Complaint Form and Waiver Form. You may file a complaint with us by either:
1. Contacting the Winston-Salem Human Relations Department at 727-2429 to request this form; or
2. Visiting our office in person to request a form and to receive assistance in completing it. We are located in City Hall at 101 North Main Street in Suite 109; or
3. Mailing a complaint form to us at our mailing address: Winston-Salem Human Relations Department, P.O. Box 2511, Winston-Salem, NC 27101.
Complaints concerning landlord/tenant issues such as landlord/tenant disputes, security deposits, pet deposits, lease violations, and general rights must be filed with the Department or Commission in writing. The Department and Commission accepts complaints from residents of the City of Winston-Salem who reside in both subsidized and non-federally subsidized housing . While the Department staff is authorized by ordinance to investigate and mediate landlord/tenant complaints, the staff relies on the parties involved to enforce their landlord/tenant mediation agreements voluntarily or, if necessary, in court.
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