While meeting with a housing counselor, a client describes a possible housing discrimination situation. Which is the best way to handle the violation?

Filing a complaint online with HUD is the most appropriate action in this scenario. Housing discrimination is a serious issue that is addressed by the Fair Housing Act, and HUD is the federal agency responsible for enforcing this law. By filing a complaint with HUD, the client can initiate an investigation into the alleged discrimination, which could result in necessary remedial actions and enforcement of fair housing rights.

This process ensures that the client's concerns are formally recorded, acknowledged, and pursued according to the legal framework established to protect against housing discrimination. HUD provides a mechanism for individuals to seek justice and potentially hold violators accountable, creating a crucial pathway for addressing such violations in a structured manner.

While seeking legal representation might also be beneficial for a client experiencing housing discrimination, it is often a more complex and costly route that may not be necessary at the initial stage. Calling the police typically relates to immediate threats or criminal activities, which does not apply to most discrimination cases. Advising the client to move to a different area does not address the underlying issue of discrimination and may only serve as a temporary solution, without accountability or change in the original area.