App Lets Users File Discrimination Complaints from Mobile Device
In an effort to reach more consumers, HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity launched a new mobile app for iPhone and iPad today. The app gives users instant access to HUD’s online housing discrimination complaint form and information about fair housing rights. After downloading the app, consumers and fair housing advocacy groups will have what HUD Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity John Trasviña called “faster and easier” access to the complaint form. This makes sense for repeat complainants like fair housing advocacy organizations. But for the average consumer looking to file a discrimination complaint, downloading an app rather than visiting HUD’s web site seems like an unnecessary extra step. In any case, the app is a valiant attempt by HUD to follow the CFPB’s lead in maximizing technology to reach out to consumers.