Fair Housing Protection

What Fair Housing Protection Is

When renting or selling housing, it is illegal to discriminate based on race, color, religion, age (40 and over), ancestry, national origin, place of birth, sex, sexual orientation, source of income, mental and physical handicap, presence of trained guide, support or service animals, pregnancy, birth of a child, the number and presence of children, or marital status. Examples of discrimination are: falsely denying that housing is available; discriminatory advertising; refusal to rent, or discrimination in the terms of the lease.

Filing a Complaint with the Borough

Individuals who believe they are being discriminated against with respect to a property located within State College Borough may file a complaint in person or by mail on forms provided by the Borough. Complaints must be filed within 180 days of the act of discrimination. For more information, call 814-234-7109.

Filing a Complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission

Individuals who believe they are being discriminated against may file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission in Harrisburg. Complaints must be filed within 180 days of the act of discrimination. The phone number is 717-787-9784.

Filing a Complaint with Housing & Urban Development (HUD)

A complaint may also be filed with the U.S. Department of HUD by calling the Housing Discrimination Hotline at the toll-free number 800-669-9777. Complaints must be filed within one year of the act of discrimination.

Complaint Forms

Individuals who believe they are being discriminated against with respect to a property located within the Borough of State College can initialize the complaint process by completing this online form on Engage State College.

For more information, please call 814-234-7109 or email the Planning Department.

Property Maintenance Code

View the property maintenance code.