Housing Law in the United States is primarily focused on the protections and rights given to citizens to secure a place to live. Research in this area involves locating many layers of law:
- Federal laws establishing basic rights and protections
- State laws establishing the landlord/tenant relationship and possibly creating additional protections
- Federal Department of Housing & Urban Development working with each state's agency to administer housing programs and distribute funding
- Local city planning and zoning boards whose members pass ordinances and restrictions affecting local housing
Each group will have its own set of laws and guidance, which is interpreted by the courts.