All Forum Posts by: Alex Knights

@Alex Knights,

Most states prohibit "cherry picking" renter applications* and require that the chronologically first applicant who meets the specified criteria MUST be accepted. You may be able to build a case on that basis, if you believe there is some value to be pursued.

*: It may also be an EHO (Equal Housing Opportunity) violation. Check with your legal counsel.

I am a white male and I am discriminated against daily. TV commercials and shows are constantly portraying women as being intelligent and efficient while men are shown as lazy, clueless buffoons. There are no special programs in place to help me. The only special programs involving me are put in place to prosecute me. All of the ills of society are the result of the white male. I am told to "check my privlege". If I have any privlege it's because I have worked for it! Discrimination in some form will always exist and it's a two way street. It's just an obstacle that successful people overcome. (I bet this post gets deleted)

It depends. Anything which can be construed as discrimination is a potential issue.

My multi-family mentor tells the story of a rental agent who was showing multiple properties to a prospective tenant. The tenant asked about each property, "How's the neighborhood?" Of course, the agent responded positively ...

... except that at one property, upon getting out of her car, she locked her car doors where she hadn't done that at the others. She wound up getting prosecuted for it.

@Alex Knights,

If you feel confident that the reason you weren't chosen was because of the picture, then definitely go see if a lawyer will work on it for pro bono.   As long as it doesn't cost you anything,   and you feel certain they are in the wrong, then absolutely go for it!      If they said longer income, but only  required 2 years of W2s, then they likely confirmed with the employer that they'd been at their job for X years.   If you have the time, and feel confident about the case, go for it!   Just a thought, if you really want to determine if that was/wasn't the case, find another property they are renting.. and create 2 alias, very stereotypical names  and stereotypical writing, , and see if they tell you it's rented, and it's available to the other?  That'd be a case I'd bring to a lawyer! 

As far as the discrimination goes, I'm a woman in real estate.   It's kind of normal.   I have contractors state that they will only talk with my husband, and   I think we're up to 3 complaints about me this year, where they say I'm too outspoken, and threaten not to work with us because  I'm too "direct."   Some men are really uncomfortable with women as their boss,  at first I was offended, but then you just realize it's a part of life, and get thick skin.     

 I also have seen discrimination from banks, who wouldn't lend to us because the area we invest in-- "What kind of people do you rent to?!" they  immediately think we're slumlords, or the properties are only section 8, stuff like that..   whereas our houses are gorgeous, and we only rent to hard working people!  I complained to the guy's boss,  but she essentially just stood up for him... so it was useless,...   It's just a part of the game, and when we see it, we direct our business elsewhere.    

@Alex Knights,

If the other applicants had better ratios, and was stronger, then IMO it'd be very hard to prove that you were denied based on the family photo.    If you feel they are lying, I'm sure there is  lawyer who will happily take the case and take your money to try and prove  that they denied you based on the picture, however it's a very expensive battle, and   I can guarantee you, they won't ever rent to you if you sue them,... so personally, I would just move on.   

We recently had 2 amazing applications for a big house (2,000 sq ft) $850, 1 was for a family with  a 7x  income, and another was 2 roommates that were military contractors, where their ratio was 13x-- yes, 13x!  We picked the family because they would be a better long term fit,  whereas  the contractors were only there for a year.     I say this to show, it's the owners preference about who they chose, even when you have 2 perfect A+  applicants, it boils down to who they feel is the best long term fit. 

 Well regardless if they are guilty of anything or not, they certainly are not going to admit it if they are.

Just move on, plenty of rentals. Nothing to accomplish here. Sorry for your troubles.