Fair Housing

The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing because of race or color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or handicap. The Minnesota Human Rights Act (Statute 363A) mirrors the federal legislation. In addition to the federal protected classes, it prohibits discrimination based on sexual or affectional orientation, marital status, creed or status with regard to receipt of public assistance.

Fair housing covers most housing. In some circumstances, fair housing laws exempt owner-occupied buildings with no more than four units, single-family housing sold or rented without the use of a broker, and housing operated by organizations and private clubs that limit occupancy to members.

Regional Analysis

In 2020 and 2021, a range of cities and counties in the Twin Cities metropolitan area collaborated to create the 2020 to 2024 Regional Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (PDF). The document is linked on this page. Interested parties with questions about the 2020 to 2024 Regional Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice are encouraged to contact Jamie Fritts, Woodbury's Housing and Economic Development Coordinator.

Resources for Filing Complaints

Several agencies are available to help victims of fair housing violations including:

Before you contact any of the listed organizations to file a discrimination complaint, it would be beneficial to have the following information available:

  • Your name and address
  • The name and address of the person your complaint is against
  • The address of the housing involved
  • A short description of the event that caused you to believe your rights were violated
  • The date(s) of the alleged violation