Which federal agency investigates complaints of housing discrimination?

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is the federal agency responsible for investigating complaints of housing discrimination. Established to ensure healthy and sustainable communities, HUD enforces the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. When individuals believe they have experienced housing discrimination, they can file a complaint with HUD, which then has the authority to investigate these complaints, mediate disputes, and enforce fair housing laws.

In contrast, while other agencies have important roles in civil rights and law enforcement, they do not specifically handle housing discrimination cases to the same extent as HUD. The Federal Bureau of Investigation primarily focuses on criminal investigations, while the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission deals with employment discrimination rather than housing. The Department of Justice has a role in enforcing federal laws and may become involved in significant cases, but it does not serve as the first point of contact for individuals experiencing housing discrimination complaints.