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The Office of Fair Housing

The Office of Fair Housing at the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (HLC) was created by the Affordable Homes Act to advance fair housing across Massachusetts -- through enforcement, testing, outreach and education, as well as to collaborate on fair housing with other state agencies.

The Office of Fair Housing at the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (HLC) was created by the Affordable Homes Act to advance fair housing across Massachusetts -- through enforcement, testing, outreach and education, as well as to collaborate on fair housing with other state agencies. 

We work to ensure every Massachusetts community is open, welcoming and free from housing discrimination.  

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Know your rights 

Massachusetts fair housing law prohibits discrimination in any housing-related transaction based on race, color, religion, marital status, disability, genetic information, military status, familial status, national origin, sex, age, ancestry, sexual orientation, source of income and gender identity or expression.  

Learn more: For enforcement information, see the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) and the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General. 

Examples of possible discrimination 

  • Landlord/housing provider refuses to rent/renew a lease to families with children under 6 years old due to lead paint compliance
  • Refusal to sell or rent a dwelling or treat someone differently based solely on race, color, national origin, military status, etc.
  • Assigning a lower value to a home based on the race of the homeowner or the racial composition of the neighborhood in appraisal valuation 

Report discrimination or get help 

If you believe you have been discriminated against in a housing-related matter, you can file a complaint or get assistance from any of the organizations below: 

File a complaint with the Commonwealth 

Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) 

File a complaint online or contact your nearest office. 

  • Boston Headquarters – 1 Ashburton Place, Ste 601, Boston, MA 02108 | 617-994-6000
  • Worcester Office – 18 Chestnut St., Rm. 520, Worcester, MA 01608 | 508-453-9630
  • Springfield Office – 436 Dwight St., Rm. 220, Springfield, MA 01103 | 413-739-2145 

Email: mcad@mass.gov 
 

Office of the Attorney General – Civil Rights Division 

Federal option 

Local options (city programs) 

Nonprofit assistance 

Regional Listening Sessions 

HLC, with local and community partners, is hosting Fair Housing Regional Listening Sessions across Massachusetts. These sessions center community voices, identify local barriers, and generate practical recommendations to affirmatively further fair housing. 

Check back here for registration links and additional dates.  

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