If you believe you’ve been treated unfairly when renting, buying, or securing housing in Arizona because of your race, religion, disability, family status, or another protected class, knowing how to reach the right agency matters. The Arizona Fair Housing Authority isn’t a standalone state agency instead, fair housing enforcement is handled by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and local partners like the Arizona Attorney General’s Office and nonprofit fair housing organizations. Getting the correct contact info can help you start resolving issues quickly, without confusion or delay.

Who should I call if I think I’ve faced housing discrimination in Arizona?

You can report suspected housing discrimination to HUD’s regional office serving Arizona. They handle complaints under the federal Fair Housing Act. You can also file with the Arizona Attorney General’s Civil Rights Division, which enforces state-level protections that sometimes go beyond federal law.

Here’s where to start:

• HUD Phoenix Regional Office
  Phone: (800) 669-9777 or (800) 877-8339 (TTY)
  Online complaint form: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/online-complaint
• Arizona Attorney General – Civil Rights Division
  Phone: (602) 542-5763 (Phoenix)
  Toll-free: (877) 870-0155
  Email: civilrights@azag.gov
  Mailing address: 2005 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004

What information do I need before contacting them?

Before you call or submit a complaint, gather details like dates, names, addresses, and any written communication (emails, texts, lease clauses). If you’re unsure what counts as evidence, check out our page on how to document housing discrimination in Arizona. Even small notes like being told “we don’t rent to families with kids” or “the unit is suddenly unavailable after you mentioned your service animal” can be important.

Can I file a complaint without a lawyer?

Yes. You don’t need legal representation to file. Both HUD and the Attorney General’s office have intake staff who will walk you through the process. If your case moves forward, they may assign an investigator or offer mediation. For guidance on writing your initial letter or statement, you might find this template for HOA-related complaints helpful, even if your situation doesn’t involve an HOA.

What mistakes do people make when reporting?

Waiting too long is the most common issue. HUD requires complaints to be filed within one year of the alleged violation. Some people also try to resolve things informally for months without documenting anything which makes it harder to prove later. Others assume their situation “isn’t serious enough,” but even subtle discrimination (like being quoted a higher rent or shown fewer units) is worth reporting.

Are there local groups that can help me for free?

Yes. Organizations like the Southwest Fair Housing Council and Chicanos Por La Causa offer free counseling and assistance filing complaints. They can also explain your rights under both Arizona-specific housing laws and federal rules. These groups often have bilingual staff and experience with cases involving language barriers, immigration status, or accessibility needs.

How long does the process take?

HUD typically responds within 10 days of receiving your complaint. Investigations can take a few months. If they find reasonable cause to believe discrimination occurred, the case may go to a hearing or be referred to the Department of Justice. The Arizona Attorney General’s office may act faster on clear-cut violations, especially if multiple complaints point to the same landlord or property.

What if I’m not sure whether it’s discrimination?

Call anyway. The intake specialists are trained to ask questions that help clarify whether your experience falls under protected categories. You can also review examples of what housing discrimination looks like in practice on our guide about filing a fair housing complaint in Arizona.

Next step: If you’re ready to move forward, pick up the phone or open the online form. Don’t wait for “perfect” evidence start the conversation. You can always add details later. And if you’re helping someone else, share this direct contact page so they have the numbers and links in one place.