Ready to Rent or Buy a Home? How do I recognize discrimination just occured

How Do You Recognize Discrimination?

Housing discrimination is rarely blatant. It is usually cleverly disguised and,more often than not, is done with a smile and a handshake. Your fair housing rights are violated when you are prevented from doing the following because of your race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or family status:

• Viewing or renting an apartment.
• Viewing or purchasing a home.
• Applying for or securing a home loan.
• Purchasing homeowners or renters insurance.

Be suspicious when you hear lines like these:

When you are renting...

• "I rented that apartment right after you called."
• "I'll show you the apartment after I see your green card."
• "This building is for adults only."
• "I don't really want all those changes - a ramp, grab bars; that's too much."
• "We can't have mentally retarded people living here. Who will take care of them? It will make the neighbors uncomfortable."

When you are buying...

• "Do you think you can afford this neighborhood?"
• "We just can't seem to make an appointment to show you that house."
• "I'll need to pre-qualify you before I show you homes."
• "The owner just took the house off the market."

When you are seeking financing...

• "There's a problem with the appraisal."
• "We have a minimum mortgage amount; we don't make loans under $30,000."
• "We'd like to make this loan, but we need at least 20% down payment."
• "You haven't been at your job long enough to qualify for a mortgage loan."
• "You might get a better deal at another bank. Why don't you call there first before you apply here?"

For more information on specific issues of discrimination, please select from the following categories:

• If You Have A Disability
• Children and Seniors
• Sexual Harassment
  
  

  Harassment Is A Crime!

  If you are being threatened, coerced, harassed, or intimidated because of your race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status or because of the race of your relatives or visitors, call your local F.B.I. office and Police Department. Also report the problem to HUD and your state/local Fair Housing Agency.
  
  Harassment is a criminal violation of the Fair Housing Act.
  
  Fair Housing laws protect you - but only if you report unfair treatment.
  
  If you have already experienced housing discrimination, call and report it today. The next time you face delays or denials when you are trying to find housing, be suspicious and report the problem.