Dear Sue,
I am a single mother of two. Like many others I lost my home in foreclosure.
I have had a lot of hard times, but nothing as hard as finding a rental that will accept me and my two boys.
I have submitted at least 10 applications, only to be turned down — or flat out ignored. One landlord told me that I would have trouble because I was a single mom. Isn’t that discrimination?
Is there anything I can do about it?
~ Desperate Dina
Dear Dina,
People have participated in discriminatory practices regardless of their unlawfulness since the beginning of time.
The federal government has, and will, continue to enact laws that protect the rights of its citizens.
There are federal and state regulations and guidelines relating to the sale and rental of real estate.
Those regulations were enacted to ensure that Americans do not suffer from discriminatory policies and practices based on race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, handicap or ancestry.
Many are unaware that they are in violation of the civil rights act by indicating any preferences either orally or in writing.
For example, it is a discriminatory act to say or publish that a property is for married couples only.
The first civil rights act, authored by Senator Lyman Trumbull of Illinois, was passed in 1866. It was regarded as the most important measure since the adoption of the constitutional amendment abolishing slavery.
The U.S. Congress, under President John F. Kennedy, enacted the federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, which contained Title VIII, detailing the housing provisions applicable to a broad range of discriminatory practices and enforceable by federal authority.
Dina, it is against the law to discriminate against a single mom or dad.
If you feel that your rights have been violated you need to file a complaint with the Federal Housing Administration.
I would suggest that when you ask for an application, you meet with the property manager or landlord in person. Let them get to know you. Put a face with the name.
I would let them know that you are new at renting because you have, until recently, been a homeowner.
If you can’t meet, submit a letter detailing your situation and who you are.
Becoming more than a marital status and a credit score can be a matter of good Home $$$s and Sense.
Sue Thompson is the owner of HomeTown Realtors in Auburn. She can be reached at seesue@mac.com, or on the Web at www.homedollarsandsense.com
