People with disabilities in Puerto Rico who face discrimination when renting, buying or using housing can now receive guidance and help filing complaints under an agreement between the Office of the Advocate for Persons with Disabilities (DPI) and the organization Solo Por Hoy, Inc. The alliance sets up a mechanism to identify possible violations, coordinate referrals and ease access to the protection procedures established under federal law. "We want no person to give up looking for housing for not knowing the mechanisms that exist to protect them," said Fernando Díaz Rivera, the advocate for persons with disabilities.
We want no person to give up looking for housing for not knowing the mechanisms that exist to protect them
Under the alliance, the DPI will identify possible discrimination situations through the services it offers the public, gather basic information and explain the available alternatives. Where appropriate, it will refer affected people to Solo Por Hoy, which will help complete fair housing complaints and explain the procedures. The DPI may also channel cases directly to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or other competent entities.
The agreement also includes training DPI staff on reasonable accommodations, accessibility requirements and discriminatory practices banned by federal law. Solo Por Hoy executive director Belinda Hill said both organizations will coordinate educational initiatives to inform the public about its rights and the mechanisms available to report possible housing discrimination.