As a part of the Office of Human Rights, The Fair Housing Program has developed a far-reaching program of outreach and monitoring activities.

Educational activities include training for landlords, real estate professionals, property managers, lenders, and other housing professionals, as well as information to and training for the general public. A 10th grade fair housing curriculum has been developed and incorporated into all 10th grade social studies classrooms in each of the 23 Montgomery County high schools.  A simular set of lessons is being developed for the elementary school curriculum.  Each spring, a fair housing Poster Contest is conducted in selected elementary school classrooms throughout the County.

The Office of Human Rights has developed a comprehensive program of testing for discrimination in the rental or sale of housing, home mortgage financing and compliance with architectural guidelines. Enforcement actions are taken as warranted by the Office of Human Rights' Compliance Section.

Click here to see the results from the FY09 Fair Housing Testing.

As part of determining the level of discrimination in the County, the Office of Human Rights periodically conducts studies. Studies include, for example, an evaluation of the practices of mortgage lenders in the County, and the frequency and patterns of FHA foreclosures.

If you feel you have been a victim of housing discrimination and would like to file a complaint, visit the Compliance Section of this web site, or call 240/777-8450 or TTY 240/777-8480. To obtain information on fair housing or to arrange for training for your business, group, or organization, call 240/777-8450. Informational brochures are also available below.

• Your Guide to Fair Housing
• Fair Housing: Lending Procedures and Practices
• Fair Housing for Persons with Disabilities
• Fair Housing: Source of Income, Familial Status, Occupancy, Standards