What You Should Know About Citizenship Status, ICE, and Housing

AMAC
4 hours ago
2 min read

Although the terror of ICE raids have been front and center for many immigrant households, it is important to remember that you as a tenant have the right to live and rent without fear, regardless of citizenship status.

Rights As a Noncitizen:

Remember that even as a noncitizen, you have the right to rent an apartment. Under the Fair Housing Act, no one can be denied housing due to their race, ethnicity, or national origin; this includes citizenship status! Below are a few of additional housing rights that you have regardless of citizenship status:

You as a tenant may request repairs in your apartment
Your landlord must not lock you out, shut off your utilities, or remove your belongings without taking you to court
Your landlord must not raise your rent or terminate your lease due to citizenship status
The right to a written lease

Remember to always ask for a written lease, and if your landlord violates any of these rights, call ERTC!

Documents to Keep in Mind for Renting

Your landlord may ask for any of the following documents before allowing you to rent.

Social Security Number
Background Check
Photo ID
Proof of Income
Alien Income Tax Return or 1040-NR (if noncitizen)

Although there may be additional documentation needed for noncitizens, remember that your landlord cannot refuse to rent to you due to citizenship status.

What About ICE?

Your landlord can not threaten to report you to ICE to make you leave or prevent you from requesting repairs. If they do call, Eviction Right to Counsel immediately or or file a complaint with the HUD Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at hud.gov/fairhousing.

You are NOT required to answer any questions regarding your immigration status.

*Remember that ICE may not enter a private residence without consent or a valid, signed judicial warrant! If they do, DO NOT sign anything- contact a lawyer immediately.

See below for further reading on what constitutes a valid warrant and what to do should ICE enter your residence.

If You or Someone You Know is Facing Housing Discrimination, Call:

AMAC Hotline: 615-988-6460
Nashville Hispanic Bar Association: 615-701-7957

Visit amactn.org/ertc to access free resources in 8 different languages, including Arabic, Kurdish, Somali, and Spanish.

Whether you’re looking for help or navigating rent support programs like the ERTC, AMAC is here to support you and your family. Knowledge is power—know your rights, protect your home. No one should have to choose between safety and stability.

Citizenship Status, ICE, and Housing