Fair Housing
In order to access the links noted on the Fair Housing Flyer above, please click hereNOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
On July 25, 2011 at a legally held, open session, regular council meeting, the City of West Orange City Council appointed the following members to the “Fair Housing Activity Statement – Texas” (FHAST) Work Group: Group One members include (2): Council Member Shirley Bonnin Director of Public Works Michael Stelly. Group Two members include (3): Protected class member Frances Lopez, Affordable Housing provider Dean Fuller, School District Member Ruth Hancock. (Mrs. Lopez and Mr. Fuller were appointed to fill open positions on October 7, 2019.)
Local Policy StatementIt has been well-established that many people do not know their rights under the Fair Housing Act, and of those who do, many do not report housing discrimination because they don’t know where to go or they believe nothing will be done about it. Some may even fear consequences from neighbors or landlords. TDHCA, as Texas’ lead affordable housing agency, along with the City of West Orange, are committed to fair housing choice. Everyone has the right to choose where they want to live whether they are buying, selling or renting a home. You cannot be denied access to a home solely on the basis of color, race, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or your familial status (children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under the age of 18). If you encounter a possible violation, you are encouraged to report the violation to the City of West Orange Code Enforcement Officer (www.cityofwestorange.com), who can be contacted at City Hall (2700 Western Avenue) or 409.883.3468. If for some reason you want to report the possible violation to another entity you may always contact Civil Rights Division of the Texas Workforce Commission (www.twc.state.tx.us) or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD.gov).
******************************************************
Fair Housing – How To File A Complaint
If you Think Your Rights Have Been Violated
The City of West Orange Code Enforcement Officer or Public Works Director is ready to help with problems of housing discrimination within the City of West Orange. The Code Enforcement Officer or Public Works Director investigates housing discrimination complaints based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, and familial status. You have one year after an alleged violation to file a fair housing complaint.
The City also investigates allegations related to sexual orientation as it pertains to housing, employment, and public accommodations. You have 180 calendar days after an alleged violation to file a sexual orientation complaint.
What Information to Have Ready:
- Your name and address
- The name and address of the person your complaint is against (the respondent)
- The address or other 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
You may file a complaint by calling or meeting with the Code Enforcement Officer or Public Works Director.
Where to write or call for assistance with the complaint process:
City of West Orange Code Enforcement or Public Works Director
2700 Western Avenue
West Orange, Texas 77630
Telephone 409.883.3468
Multi-lingual Complaint Forms can be found on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website.
After you file a complaint…
- It will be investigated to determine whether there is reasonable cause to believe that a fair housing law has been violated.
- The matter may be filed jointly with HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity for investigation.
- The final investigation report may be submitted to the City Attorney’s Office/Court for determination.
ViolationsSuspected Fair Housing Act violations can be reported to the City of West Orange Code Enforcement Officer (www.cityofwestorange.com/code_enforcement.htm) Civil Rights Division of the Texas Workforce Commission (www.twc.state.tx.us) or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD.gov).
