Renters Rights
Fair Housing Act
Under the Fair Housing Act of 1968, it is illegal to discriminate in housing against anyone based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status or national origin.
Types of Discrimination
Race
Religious
Gender
Disability
Familial Status
National Origin
Fair Housing Ombudsman
The statewide Fair Housing ombudsman is a resource for renters and landlords to utilize to understand their rights and responsibilities. The ombudsman will informally answer questions and act as a mediator to help find an answer that both parties can accept.
If you have a question regarding Fair Housing or feel that you have been discriminated against, contact the statewide Fair Housing ombudsman:
E-mail Renae Kueter
Phone: (877) 832-0161
Related Resources
Discrimination Complaints
Federal law prohibits housing discrimination based on your race, color, national origin, religion, sex, family status, or disability. If you have been trying to buy or rent a home or apartment and you believe your rights have been violated, you can file a fair housing complaint.
There are several ways to file a complaint:
You can file a complaint right now, by using this online form.
You can call toll-free at 1-800-877-7353.
You can print out a form, complete it, and drop it off at your local HUD office or mail it to the address below:
You can write a letter including:
Your name and address
The name and address of the person your complaint is about
The address of the house or apartment you were trying to rent or buy
The date when this incident occurred
A short description of what happened
Then mail it to the Fair Housing Hub closest to you:
Fair Housing Hub
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
1670 Broadway
Denver, Colorado 80202
(303) 672-5151
1-800-877-7353
TTY (303) 672-5248
For more information visit the Housing and Urban Development Website.
Legal Services Of SD
The following agencies provide free legal services to income-eligible persons. Contact them directly for more information.
East River Legal Services
335 North Main Ave., Suite 200
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
(800) 952-3015
Website: www.erlservices.org
Access to Justice, Inc.
222 E. Capitol Ave., #3
Pierre, SD 57501
(855) 287-3510
Dakota Plains Legal Services Inc.
160 Second Street
P.O. Box 727
Mission, SD 57555-0727
(800) 658-2297
Website: www.dpls.org