HUD HCV Guidebook § 3.2.3
Harassment (HUD HCV Guidebook)
Operative Text
Harassment in housing or housing-related transactions on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, and national origin is prohibited under the Fair Housing Act. PHAs may not deny a family’s request to move when a family member is subject to harassment because of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin that causes the family to vacate a dwelling.
Under the Fair Housing Act, as referenced in HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook § 3.2.3, harassment directed at a person in housing or housing-related transactions on the basis of protected characteristics—including race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, and national origin—is prohibited. Additionally, Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) are barred from denying a family's request to move when harassment based on one of those protected characteristics is forcing the family to leave their home. This provision ensures that victims of discriminatory harassment are not trapped in an unsafe housing situation by administrative barriers.
Plain English — not legal advice.
HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook § 3.2.3 makes clear that harassment of voucher-holding tenants on the basis of any protected characteristic violates the Fair Housing Act. Compliant property owners and managers maintain environments free from discriminatory harassment and refrain from any conduct—direct or indirect—that could be construed as pressuring a protected-class tenant to vacate. Operators generally document their fair-housing policies, train staff accordingly, and respond promptly to any reported incidents of harassment.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 3.2.3 of the HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook affirms that you have a right to be free from harassment based on protected characteristics such as race, disability, or national origin, and that a PHA cannot block a move request when such harassment is forcing your household out of its home. Tenants who believe they have experienced discriminatory harassment may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, raise the issue with their local PHA, or contact a tenant-rights organization for general information about available options. Keeping records of harassing incidents—dates, descriptions, and any witnesses—is a practice commonly recommended by housing advocates when documenting a potential Fair Housing Act concern.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 26, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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