About The Program
The Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination when they are renting or buying a home, getting a mortgage, seeking housing assistance, or engaging in other housing-related activities. Additional protections apply to federally-assisted housing.
Who Is Protected? The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing because of:
- Race
- Color
- National Origin
- Religion
- Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
- Familial Status
- Disability
What Types Of Housing Are Covered?
The Fair Housing Act covers most housing. In very limited circumstances, the Act exempts owner-occupied buildings with no more than four units, single-family houses sold or rented by the owner without the use of an agent, and housing operated by religious organizations and private clubs that limit occupancy to members.
Familial status includes non-discrimination of households with children. With regard to disabilities, landlords are generally required to provide reasonable accommodations to assist persons with disabilities.
Potential fair housing complaints are informed of fair housing rights and remedies and appropriate resources. Other callers (landlord/tenant or inquiries) are referred to the appropriate authorities. Please support your neighbors and support your County. If you know someone with housing concerns or questions, please refer them to the Wayne County Fair Housing Program for assistance.
The Wayne County Fair Housing Program is available during normal business hours to answer questions about Fair Housing and also Landlord-Tenant issues for Wayne County residents. Please contact Community Action Wayne/Medina at (330) 621-8038.
Tenant Rights
On occasion, a tenant will report that a landlord is not fulfilling a lease obligation. When specific legal questions arise, such as questions about a lease or a civil dispute, Wayne County's Fair Housing Program will recommend that individuals speak with an attorney. Wayne County Fair Housing Program is not able to provide legal advice.
The Program also recommends that tenants and landlords alike review Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321, which governs Landlord-Tenant law, as remedies are afforded to tenants when landlords act unlawfully, and vice versa.
For those needing legal assistance and unable to afford an attorney, Community Legal Aid, an Ohio non-profit law firm, may be able to assist low-income individuals and families with their civil needs throughout Wayne and surrounding counties.
The Wayne County Fair Housing Board is dedicated to ensuring the right to equal housing opportunities for the community. Complaints are analyzed annually to identify impediments to fair housing. The Wayne County Fair Housing Office, part of the Wayne County Planning Department, is also available at:
Wayne County Planning Department
428 West Liberty Street
Wooster, Ohio 44691
(330) 287-5420
