Fair Housing

The Borough of Hawthorne fully endorses State and Federal law regarding housing discrimination (PDF) and actively promotes full access to housing opportunity, both rental and ownership, regardless of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, handicap and/or familial status.

In order to affirmatively further fair housing, the Borough of Hawthorne has established a Fair Housing Program and appointed a Fair Housing Officer. Any person desiring information concerning fair housing or persons who believe they have been discriminated against in any housing related matter may contact the program for counseling and referral to State and Federal enforcement agencies.

If You Think Your Rights Have Been Violated

HUD is ready to help with any problem of housing discrimination. If you think your rights have been violated, you may fill out the Housing Discrimination Complaint Form attached. Write HUD a letter or telephone the HUD Hotline. You have one year after an alleged violation to file a complaint with HUD, but you should file it as soon as possible

What to Tell HUD

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

Where to Write

Send the Housing Discrimination Complaint Form or a letter to the HUD regional office nearest you (addresses on the Complaint Form) or to:

Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Room 5204
Washington, DC 20410-2000

Where to Call

If you wish, you may use the toll-free Hotline number: 800-669-9777.

If You Are Disabled HUD Also Provides

  • A toll-free TDD phone for the hearing impaired: 800-927-9275
  • Interpreters
  • Tapes and braille materials
  • Assistance in reading and completing forms

What Happens When You File A Complaint?

HUD will notify you when it receives your complaint. Normally, HUD also will:

  • Notify the alleged violator of your complaint and permit that person to submit an answer
  • Investigate your complaint and determine whether there is reasonable cause to believe the Fair Housing Act has been violated
  • Notify you if it cannot complete an investigation within 100 days of receiving your complaint