Institute for Disability Studies Recognizes April as National Fair Housing Month

Did you know that a landlord cannot “steer” a person to a particular apartment or listing? Did you know a landlord cannot refuse to rent to a family with kids? Did you know a service animal is not a pet?

All of the above questions are important ones to remember during April, which serves as National Fair Housing Month. The University of Southern Mississippi Institute for Disability Studies (IDS) recognizes that fair housing laws and practices should be highlighted in April as well as all other months of the year.

IDS's Fair Housing staff travels throughout the state to educate individuals on their fair housing rights. The project also provides outreach to housing providers to make them aware of fair housing laws and procedures, especially in regard to people with disabilities. Fair housing activities are funded by the Disaster Recovery Division of the Mississippi Development Authority.

For more information about fair housing in Mississippi, call toll-free at 1.866.883.4474.

The Institute for Disability Studies is Mississippi's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Research, Education and Service, headquartered for 40 years at Southern Miss. The Institute provides university training, community services activities, research and information that promote the independence, productivity and community inclusion of individuals with disabilities and their families.

For more information about IDS, visit the Institute's website at www.usm.edu/disabilty-studies or call 1.888.671.0051.