Greystar Worldwide LLC, the nation’s largest apartment manager and owner, has been accused of systematically refusing to rent to prospective tenants holding Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) in violation of state fair housing laws across six states and Washington, DC.
Housing Rights Initiative (HRI), a national housing watchdog group, has filed complaints today with the Virginia Office of the Attorney General, California Civil Rights Department, Maryland Commission on Civil Rights, Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, Michigan Department of Civil Rights, New Jersey Division on Civil Rights, and the DC Office of Human Rights alleging 114 violations of state fair housing laws by Greystar properties across these states.
HRI stated that it began sending out testers last October to Greystar properties posing as prospective tenants and asked if they could use a housing voucher to pay rent. Greystar agents told the HRI testers that vouchers would not be accepted. HRI added Greystar’s agents said they would impose unlawful conditions — such as requiring the voucher to cover 100% of the rent — or refuse to count voucher assistance toward minimum income requirements, in direct violation of the law in those states.
HRI added that its investigation of Greystar is ongoing, and additional violations may be added to the public record as testing continues.
Akash Patel, program development director at HRI, stated, “As a former police officer, I understand that laws have limited value unless they are enforced. Fair housing laws are essential in protecting fundamental housing rights and promoting housing stability. If left unchecked, companies can evade accountability and continue to discriminate against protected groups. Our investigation into Greystar revealed that its discriminatory practices are a part of a much larger pattern of source of income discrimination across housing markets, nationwide. Fair and equitable housing practices are critical to the stability of society, and allowing discrimination to continue leaves our most vulnerable neighbors at an even greater disadvantage.”
As of this writing, Greystar did not publicly comment on HRI’s allegations.
0 Comments