Fair Housing

Dakota County CDA is committed to providing equal housing opportunity for all. Learn about your rights under fair housing laws.

Equal Housing Opportunity
We do business in accordance with the Fair Housing Act

Our Commitment

Dakota County Community Development Agency is committed to affirmatively furthering fair housing. We do not discriminate in the sale, rental, or financing of housing, or in any housing-related services, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.

We actively work to eliminate housing discrimination and promote equal housing opportunities for all residents of Dakota County.

The Fair Housing Act

The Fair Housing Act, enacted in 1968 and amended in 1988, prohibits discrimination in housing based on:

Race
Color
Religion
Sex
National Origin
Disability
Familial Status

Minnesota law provides additional protections based on:

  • Marital status
  • Sexual orientation
  • Gender identity
  • Public assistance status
  • Age
  • Creed

Your Rights

Under fair housing laws, you have the right to:

  • Apply for housing free from discrimination
  • Be treated equally in the terms and conditions of housing
  • Request reasonable accommodations for disabilities
  • Request reasonable modifications to your unit
  • Live free from harassment based on protected characteristics
  • File a complaint if you experience discrimination

Examples of Housing Discrimination

Housing discrimination can take many forms, including:

  • Refusing to rent or sell housing
  • Setting different terms, conditions, or privileges
  • Making false statements about availability
  • Denying access to housing-related services
  • Steering people to certain neighborhoods
  • Refusing to make reasonable accommodations
  • Harassment or intimidation
  • Retaliation for filing a fair housing complaint

Reasonable Accommodations & Modifications

If you have a disability, you have the right to request:

Reasonable Accommodations

Changes to rules, policies, practices, or services that may be necessary to give a person with a disability equal opportunity to use and enjoy housing.

Examples: Allowing a service animal despite a "no pets" policy, providing a reserved parking space, allowing a live-in aide.

Reasonable Modifications

Physical changes to a dwelling that may be necessary to give a person with a disability full use and enjoyment of the premises.

Examples: Installing grab bars, widening doorways, installing a ramp, lowering countertops.

To request an accommodation or modification, contact your property manager or housing specialist.

How to File a Complaint

If you believe you have experienced housing discrimination, you can file a complaint with:

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Phone: 1-800-669-9777 (Voice) | 1-800-927-9275 (TTY)

Online: www.hud.gov/fairhousing

Complaints must be filed within 1 year of the alleged discrimination.

Minnesota Department of Human Rights

Phone: 1-800-657-3704

Online: mn.gov/mdhr

Complaints must be filed within 1 year of the alleged discrimination.

Dakota County CDA

Phone: 651-675-4400

Email: fairhousing@dakotacda.org

We will investigate complaints and take appropriate action.

Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing

Dakota County CDA is committed to affirmatively furthering fair housing (AFFH). This means we take meaningful actions to overcome patterns of segregation, promote fair housing choice, and foster inclusive communities.

Our efforts include:

Fair housing training for staff
Community outreach & education
Housing in opportunity areas
Mobility counseling