Where to Find a Fair Housing Poster

Everyone · How-to · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What do you need before starting to find a Fair Housing poster?

Before beginning your search for a Fair Housing poster, prepare by gathering some key information and tools. First, identify the exact location where the poster will be displayed. Different states or cities may have their own versions of the poster or additional requirements. For example, a landlord in California might need a version that includes specific state fair housing information alongside the federal poster. Next, determine what type of housing provider you are. Are you a private landlord renting a single property, a large apartment complex manager, or a public housing authority employee? HUD has different posters tailored to various types of housing providers, so knowing your role will help you select the correct one. You will also want access to a device with internet so you can download the poster from official websites. If you plan to print the poster yourself, ensure you have a color printer with high-quality paper. Alternatively, if you want a professionally printed copy, be ready to provide a mailing address when ordering from HUD or your local housing agency. Having these details upfront will save time and help you comply fully with fair housing requirements, avoiding any legal risks associated with missing or incorrect postings.

What are the detailed steps to find and get a Fair Housing poster?

1. Visit the HUD Website: Open your browser and go to the official U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website. This is your most reliable source for free, official Fair Housing posters.
2. Navigate to the Fair Housing Poster Section: Look for the “Fair Housing” or “Fair Housing Poster” page, often under “Resources” or “Fair Housing Act” sections. HUD organizes posters by housing type.
3. Select the Poster That Fits Your Situation: HUD offers posters for multifamily housing, public housing, and private landlords. For example, a private landlord may choose the “Equal Housing Opportunity” poster for private residential rental properties.
4. Download the Poster: Click the download link, usually a high-resolution PDF file. Make sure you download the latest version by checking the date or version number on the website.
5. Print the Poster: Use a color printer and good quality paper to print the poster. The poster must be easy to read and visually clear. For example, printing on standard white letter-size (8.5” x 11”) paper is common, but you can also print on larger sizes if desired.
6. Order a Physical Copy if Needed: If you prefer not to print yourself, HUD or some local housing agencies offer to mail printed posters. You can call HUD’s Fair Housing helpline or visit your state’s housing website to find ordering instructions.
7. Check for State or Local Posters: Some states or municipalities require additional posters or inserts explaining local fair housing rights. Visit your state housing agency’s website or contact them directly to confirm. For instance, New York State has a specific Fair Housing poster that includes extra protected classes beyond the federal ones.
8. Display the Poster Prominently: Once you have your poster, place it where tenants and visitors can easily see it. Common spots include leasing offices, property management lobbies, rental application areas, or common spaces like laundry rooms.

How can you tell if you have the right Fair Housing poster?

A proper Fair Housing poster will have several identifiable features to confirm its authenticity and compliance:

• HUD Logo: The official U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development logo or seal should appear prominently, usually at the top or bottom of the poster.
• Clear Equal Housing Opportunity Statement: The poster must include wording similar to: “It is illegal to discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin.” This exact phrase or a very close version is required by federal law.
• Contact Information: The poster should provide contact details for HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity or your local fair housing agency. This often includes a phone number or website address for reporting discrimination.
• Unaltered Layout and Design: The poster’s layout should be clear and easy to read with no changes or additions that might confuse the message. Avoid using unofficial posters that change the wording or add logos from unrelated organizations.
• Current Version Date: The poster usually has a date or version number indicating it is up to date. Using an outdated poster could mean missing new protected classes or updated contact info.

If you are unsure whether your poster meets these criteria, compare it directly to the version on the HUD website or ask your local fair housing office for verification.

What should you do if you cannot find or receive a Fair Housing poster?

If you struggle to locate or obtain a Fair Housing poster, follow these steps:

• Contact HUD Directly: Call HUD’s Fair Housing helpline or visit their contact page online. HUD can assist you with downloading or mailing a physical poster at no charge.
• Reach Out to State or Local Housing Agencies: Many states and cities have fair housing offices that provide posters and additional resources. For example, you can search “[Your State] fair housing agency” online to find these contacts.
• Use Legal Aid Organizations: Local legal aid groups often assist tenants and landlords with fair housing questions and may have posters or can help you get one. Visit LawHelp.org to locate nearby legal aid services.
• Check Internet and Device Issues: If you cannot download the poster due to technical problems, try a different browser or device, or update your software. Sometimes firewalls or security settings block downloads.
• Avoid Unofficial Sources: Beware of third-party websites selling or altering Fair Housing posters. Using unofficial posters can lead to legal non-compliance. Always use government or official agency sources.

If all else fails, contact HUD or a local fair housing advocate for direct support—they are set up to help people comply with these requirements.

How can you adapt the Fair Housing poster for your audience or setting?

While the Fair Housing poster’s wording must remain unchanged to comply with the law, you can take additional steps to ensure your audience understands and notices it:

• Add Multilingual Materials: If your rental property serves non-English speakers, display official HUD multilingual brochures or flyers next to the poster. HUD provides materials in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and other languages.
• Simplify Fair Housing Information: Provide a brief, easy-to-understand explanation nearby, such as a small sign that says: “This poster explains your rights to fair and equal housing. If you have questions, contact [local fair housing agency phone number].”
• Use Additional Signage in High-Traffic Areas: Place smaller notices or flyers about fair housing rights in places like entrances, mailrooms, or community bulletin boards.
• Host Educational Events: For landlords or housing providers serving many tenants, consider distributing printed material or hosting sessions that explain fair housing rights in person, especially during Fair Housing Month.
• Keep the Poster Visible and Accessible: Display the poster at eye level, avoid placing it behind glass that causes glare, and ensure lighting is adequate. Do not cover it with other notices, and rotate or replace faded posters periodically to maintain visibility.

By combining the official poster with supplementary materials and clear placement, you help tenants understand their rights and create a welcoming, fair rental environment.

Why is displaying a Fair Housing poster important?

Displaying the Fair Housing poster is more than a legal formality—it plays a key role in protecting tenant rights and promoting fair treatment in housing. Here’s why it matters:

• Legal Compliance: Many landlords and housing providers who participate in federal programs or receive government funding are required by law to post the Fair Housing notice. Failure to do so can result in fines or legal action.
• Tenant Awareness: The poster informs current and prospective tenants about their rights to be free from discrimination based on protected categories. This awareness empowers tenants to recognize and report unfair treatment.
• Demonstrates Commitment: Posting visibly shows your commitment to equal opportunity and non-discrimination, which can build trust with tenants and strengthen your reputation.
• Prevents Discrimination Issues: When tenants see the poster and know their rights, it reduces misunderstandings and discourages discriminatory practices by landlords or staff.
• Helps Avoid Legal Risks: Proper posting is part of maintaining compliance with the Fair Housing Act and can protect housing providers from complaints, investigations, or lawsuits.

In short, the Fair Housing poster is a simple yet essential tool to promote fairness and legal protection in housing relationships.

Where else can you learn about fair housing rights?

To deepen your understanding of fair housing, explore these resources:

• Visit What is fair housing for a clear explanation of the rights and protections under the Fair Housing Act.
• Review Fair housing rules explained to learn about specific legal requirements and responsibilities.
• Attend community workshops or seminars offered by local housing agencies or nonprofits, especially during Fair Housing Month.
• Check out educational guides and lesson plans like Teaching the Fair Housing Act lesson plan if you want to help others learn about fair housing.
• Contact local legal aid or tenant advocacy groups to ask questions or get help with housing discrimination issues.

Learning more about fair housing strengthens your ability to recognize discrimination and stand up for your rights or those of others.

Frequently asked questions

Do all landlords have to post a Fair Housing poster?

Many landlords, especially those involved in federally funded housing or HUD programs, are required by law to display the poster. Some states and local governments also require all landlords to post it. It’s best to check your specific state or local housing regulations.

Can I get a Fair Housing poster in languages other than English?

Yes. HUD provides Fair Housing posters and brochures in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese. These materials help communicate fair housing rights to non-English speaking tenants.

What if my landlord refuses to display the Fair Housing poster?

You can report this to your local fair housing agency or HUD. They can investigate non-compliance and help ensure your rights are upheld.

Is it acceptable to print the Fair Housing poster on smaller paper or display only part of it?

No. The entire poster should be displayed in its full size and original format to ensure the message is clear and legally compliant. Trimming or altering the poster is not allowed.

Where can tenants report housing discrimination if they experience it?

Tenants can file complaints with HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity or their state or local fair housing agency. Contact details are usually on the poster itself.