Within what time frame must all fair housing complaints be filed?

Fair housing complaints must be filed within one year of the alleged discriminatory housing practice. This timeframe is set by the Fair Housing Act, which aims to ensure that individuals have a reasonable period to report violations of their rights without undue delay. By allowing one year, the law provides sufficient time for individuals to gather evidence and understand their rights while also encouraging prompt reporting to address discriminatory practices effectively.

The timeframe is important because it balances the need for timely action against discrimination with the reality that individuals may take time to recognize, process, and decide to act on their experiences. Other timeframes listed, such as five years, six months, or three years, do not align with the specifications set under federal law, making them less applicable in the context of fair housing complaints.