Fair Housing & National Origin
Introduction
It is important to raise awareness among community members, tenants,
homeowners, landlords and other housing providers about fair housing
rights and national origin discrimination. The Fair Housing Center also
provides information about the rights of individuals with other conditions.
If you haven't had access to those materials, please contact our office
for more information.
National Origin Discrimination
National origin discrimination is defined as different, disparate, or
adverse treatment of an individual because of a real or perceived birthplace,
ancestry, culture, or linguistic characteristics common to a specific
group. An ethnic slur or other verbal or physical conduct because of
an individual’s nationality constitutes unlawful harassment if
an intimidating, hostile, or offensive atmosphere is created which negatively
affects an individual’s housing opportunities. Denying housing
opportunities to people with limited proficiency in English or requiring
additional or excessive information because of a person’s national
origin may also constitute an unlawful act.
Discrimination
based on national origin includes denial of housing opportunity because
of:
- Marriage
or association with persons of a protected group.
- Membership or association with specific ethnic promotion groups.
- Attendance or participation in schools, churches, temples, or mosques
generally associated with a protected group.
- Having a surname associated with a protected group.
- Speaking with an actual or perceived accent.
Do
fair housing laws apply only to US Citizens?
No. Anyone living in the United States has fair housing protections.
If someone is living in the U.S. illegally, they still have the right
to file a fair housing complaint if they decide to. Any person calling
the Fair Housing Center of West Michigan will receive confidential information
and assistance.
Are
you playing the waiting game?
The process:
- Go!
- See apartment
- Fill out application
- Start over
- Hear nothing
- No straight answers
- Excuses, excuses.
- Call landlord.
- Wait, wait, wait...
- “We haven’t verified your income.” “Your credit
check isn’t back yet.”
- Sound familiar? Sounds like discrimination.
- Don’t be a victim of the “Waiting Game.”
If you suspect unfair housing practices, contact the Fair Housing Center
of West Michigan. Everyone deserves a fair chance.