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Recognizing Housing Discrimination

Housing discrimination is often cleverly disguised with a warm smile and a firm handshake. Your fair housing rights are violated when you are prevented from viewing or renting an apartment or house, viewing or purchasing a home and applying or securing a home loan because of your race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status or disability. California law further prohibits discrimination in housing based upon ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, source of income, or any other arbitrary characteristics such as “age.”

Be suspicious when you hear lines like these . . .

When renting a house or apartment . . .

“I’m sorry. I rented that apartment right after you called."

“I’ll need to see your green card and then we’ll look at the apartment.”

“This building is for adults only."

“I don't really want all those changes — a ramp, grab bars; that's just too much."

When buying a house . . .

"Do you think you can afford this neighborhood?"

"I'll need to pre-qualify you before I show you any homes."

"I’m really sorry. The owner just took the house off the market."

When seeking financing . . .

"There seems to be a problem with the appraisal."

"We have a minimum mortgage amount; we don't make loans under $35,000."

"We'd like to make this loan, but you will need at least a 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. You should call them first before applying here.”

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