On February 28, 2013, HUD released a housing discrimination mobile application for iPhone and iPad. The App is designed to provide the public with a quick and easy way to file housing discrimination complaints and to inform the public of their basic rights under fair housing law.
I have reviewed the App in detail and it will clearly be a useful new tool for fair housing and civil rights groups in providing their clients with an easy way to file complaints against housing operators and owners.
From a HUD standpoint, the App will ease the process for filing fair housing complaints. From the point of view of housing operators, the App may significantly increase the volume of frivolous complaints. The ease with which the general public will be able to file complaints makes ongoing fair housing training more important than ever.
The App also provides a simple overview of the fair housing complaint process and this feature alone makes it a worthwhile download for owners and managers (the download is free).
To download the App, click here or go to the Apple App store and search “Housing Discrimination.”