A resource for renters, potential homeowners, lenders, landlords and other housing professionals to utilize to understand their rights and responsibilities. The ombudsman will answer questions and act as a mediator to help find an answer that both parties can accept. The ombudsman will also coordinate awareness of fair housing statewide. The ombudsman will listen to both sides of the story and work to resolve the dispute. If the dispute is unresolved and potentially involves housing discrimination, the ombudsman will assist in completing a complaint form with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). A resource for people who have questions related to having a companion animals - typically in a rental situation where the landlord does not allow pets.

The Sioux Falls Human Relations Office serves the community through: - Equal Employment Opportunity Promotion: Administers, enforces, and educates the public on equal opportunity in employment with respect to application, hiring, training, apprenticeship, promotion, tenure, up-grading, compensation, layoff, discharge, and any term or condition of employment, including sexual and racial harassment and discrimination in employment based upon race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, or disability. - Equal Employment / Mediation of Disputes: (Non-enforcement), affirmatively seeks to resolve disputes and to seek agreements between the parties where violations of the Civil Rights Laws are alleged. Both formal and informal mediation and conciliation are available. - Equal Opportunity Recourse Through Legal Enforcement: Primary authority to apply sanctions against those who discriminate against others because of race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, familial status, or disability. Enforcement powers include orders to hire, reinstate, promote, awards of back pay, damages and cease and desist orders. - Civil Rights Promotion (Legally Mandated): Administers and enforces the Civil Rights Laws under the Code of Ordinances of Sioux Falls Chapter 98. Americans with Disabilities Act: Provides information and guidance on discrimination related issues as protected by the ADA, including requests for reasonable accommodations and modifications. Fair Housing: Protects residents of Sioux Falls from illegal acts of discrimination in all aspects of housing through enforcement of Fair Housing laws under the Code of Ordinances of Sioux Falls Chapter 98. Provides education and awareness of fair housing laws and illegal discrimination. Fair Housing seeks to informally resolve disputes where a civil rights violation appears to have occurred. Fair Housing does not provide legal advice. Individuals may file a written discrimination complaint with the Human Relations Office if they believe they have been treated unfairly because of their race, color, creed, sex, national origin, religion, ancestry, familial status, or disability. Office does not provide legal representation or advice.