Fair Housing and Equity

We work to prevent discrimination and ensure fair and equitable access to housing for all people of Boston.

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Our mission is to ensure fair and equitable access to housing opportunities. We strive to increase equity and reduce barriers to opportunity for persons living and working in the City of Boston.

You can learn more about the Boston Fair Housing Commission regulations. If you feel you've experienced housing discrimination in Boston, you can file a complaint with our office.

Contact

617-635-2500

fairhousing@boston.gov

1 City Hall Square
Room 966

Boston, MA 02201-2041

Temporary COVID-19 hours

City Hall is only open to the public on Tuesdays and Fridays, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Submit an intake

If you feel you've experienced housing discrimination in Boston, you can file a complaint with our office.

Submit an intake

Commission information

We have info about the Fair Housing Commission, the Human Rights Commission, and the ordinances we enforce.

Boston Fair Housing Commission

Learn more about the commissioners and their work.

Boston Fair Housing Commission Ordinance

Learn more about the Boston Fair Housing Commission Ordinance.

Fair Housing Regulations

Learn how the commission enforces Fair Housing laws and regulations.

CORI rules for City vendors

Companies working with the City must meet certain standards.

Watch: Mayor Walsh's message for Fair Housing Month

Programs

Affirmative Marketing

We work to encourage those least likely to apply for housing to learn about their options.

Fair Housing and Equity internships

Our department offers internships all year long.

Fair Housing Resources

Resources

Lead paint resources

It is illegal for housing providers to discriminate against families with children under six even if the unit is known to have lead paint. The Massachusetts lead law requires that any place built prior to 1978 where a child under six years old lives must be made lead safe.

Affirmative Marketing

Affirmative Marketing has been moved to Neighborhood Development. While we still provide oversight, they cannot be reached in our office. To contact Affirmative Marketing, email them at affirmativemarketing@boston.gov. You can learn more about about Affirmative Marketing.