Can I file a complaint for an act of housing discrimination that happened outside of the city limits of Kansas City, MO with the Human Relations Department (HRD)?
No. The Human Relations Department can only investigate housing discrimination complaints that happened within the city limits of Kansas City, MO.

How long do I have to file a complaint with HRD?
The most recent act of alleged discrimination must have occurred within the past 100 days to file a complaint with HRD.

How old must I be to file a complaint?
The complainant must be at least eighteen years of age to file a complaint. If a complainant is younger than eighteen, a parent or guardian must file on his/her behalf.

What are the protected traits that can be investigated by HRD?

• Age (18 and older)
• Marital status
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity, or
• In retaliation for participating in a complaint as a party or as a witness

Who should I contact if I want to file a housing discrimination complaint based on other categories that are not investigated by HRD?
If you feel discriminated against on the basis of your race, skin color, religion, national origin, sex, mental or physical disability, familial status, ethnic background, or if you are a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, please contact the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) at (913) 551-5462.

How can I file a housing discrimination complaint with HRD?

• You can call HRD at (816) 513-1836 and one of the investigators can determine if your complaint falls within the jurisdictional requirements to file a complaint with our department. If it does, we will send you an intake housing questionnaire to fill out, sign, and date and return to us to process your complaint. A formal complaint will then be drafted and sent back to you for your signature.
• You can visit our department at: Human Relations City of Kansas City, Mo.; 414 E. 12th St., 4th Floor; Kansas City, MO 64106; or
• You can file an intake questionnaire online at kcmo.gov/civilrights. If your complaint meets the jurisdictional requirements, we will process a formal complaint.

How long will the investigation of my case take?
The case will be investigated within 100 days of being assigned to an investigator. Please keep in mind that the time frame can change depending of the complexity of the case.

Can I expect monetary compensation after filing a housing discrimination complaint with HRD?
Possibly; during the investigation process of a complaint, parties can agree on an early resolution of the case. The resolution may contain remedies that may include compensatory damages.

What types of housing are excluded from an investigation of discrimination by HRD?

• Rooms or units in a building with four or fewer units, when the owner resides in or maintains one of the units.
• Religious organization, association, or society, or any nonprofit institution or organization operated, supervised, or controlled by or in conjunction with a religious organization, association, or society not operating for a commercial purpose from discriminating in the sale, rental, or occupancy of its dwellings based on religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
• Senior living communities if: 
  • Every occupant is 62 years of age or older.
  • 80% of the housing units are occupied by at least one person over the age of 55, or
  • The community is part of a state or federal housing program designed to assist elderly people.

What happen if the conclusions of the investigation are in my favor?
If the parties agree, HRD will attempt conciliation between both parties. If conciliation is successful, the parties will be notified and the case will be closed. If the parties don’t agree to proceed with conciliation or if the conciliation is not successful, the case will be referred to the Health Department to proceed accordingly.