Silver Spring, MD Housing Discrimination Attorneys

Aggressive Fair Housing Attorneys Supporting Clients in Silver Spring, Maryland

Have you been unfairly denied housing by a landlord? If so, you may be able to file a fair housing discrimination claim. Knowing the laws surrounding fair housing is critical for asserting your rights in these claims. With help from a Silver Spring, Maryland fair housing attorney, you can stand up for yourself and pursue an equitable remedy.

At Melehy & Associates LLC, we stand as advocates for tenants who have been unjustly discriminated against by landlords. With our client-centered approach, we will develop a personalized strategy suited to the specifics of your case, working toward the best possible outcome in your fair housing complaint.

The Rights of Tenants in Maryland

Under Maryland Law, landlords are prohibited from discriminating against landlords based on race, religion, sex, familial status, disability, or national origin. Landlords often discriminate against tenants who receive Section 8 housing assistance (otherwise known as Section 8 vouchers). Landlords will often advertise that they do not accept Section 8 vouchers or that they are not “set up” for it or are not authorized to accept them. This violates Maryland law.

Outside of federal legislation, Maryland has its own protections for tenants. According to the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights, fair housing rights extend to everyone regardless of "race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, source of income, or military status." However, a landlord can still deny housing to a tenant who would pose a direct threat to persons or property in the building.

If you are not sure of your rights under Maryland Fair Housing law, Melehy & Associates LLC can clear up any points of confusion. We will inform you of your protections and review your case to see if your rights have been violated.

Filing a Fair Housing Complaint

Despite the protections in place for tenants, landlords can still find ways to subvert the law. In many cases, landlords will cite some superficial reason for denying housing to avoid discrimination complaints. You can take action against housing discrimination by filing a complaint with the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights. This complaint must be filed within one year of the incident.

An attorney can help you file a complaint against discriminatory housing practices. At Melehy & Associates LLC, we can help you build a case for a housing discrimination claim. Discriminatory terms in an advertisement can be cited as evidence of unlawful practices by a landlord. Similarly, if you were asked invasive questions designed to single you out based on a marker of identity, such as your nationality, that could also be cited as evidence for your claim.

What Relief Can I Get from a Housing Discrimination Complaint?

When you file a complaint through the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights, the authorities will investigate the landlord to see if you were the victim of discriminatory housing practices. After the investigation, the Commission will try to help you resolve the issue if your complaint is deemed valid and true. However, you can also choose to file a lawsuit against the landlord in state court. If you decide to pursue a lawsuit, the judge can award compensatory and punitive damages, attorney fees, and other relief deemed necessary.

At Melehy & Associates LLC, we can help you pursue different avenues for compensation and relief. No matter what happens, our attorneys will act in your best interests, fighting for a remedy to protect your future.

Meet With a Silver Spring Fair Housing Attorney

Have you been denied housing based on discriminatory grounds? At Melehy & Associates LLC, we can help you seek relief and an appropriate remedy for the harm you have suffered. We are passionate about enforcing tenant rights and holding landlords accountable for unethical practices. To schedule a case evaluation with a Silver Spring, MD housing discrimination lawyer today, call our offices at 301-587-6364 or reach out to us online.