Guide to Fair Housing
Fair Housing for All
WHERE YOU LIVE IS YOUR CHOICE.
Federal and State Fair Housing laws protect you when you are looking for a place to live and while you are living in your home or apartment.
Westchester Residential Opportunities, Inc. (WRO), a fair and affordable housing organization founded in 1968 to eliminate housing discrimination in Westchester County, will protect your rights under these fair housing laws.
Help is as close as your telephone. Call WRO’s FAIR HOUSING HOTLINE at 914-428-4512 for help.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS.
You cannot be denied housing or be forced to move from your housing because of your:
- Race or color Religion
- National Origin
- Sex (Gender)
- Age
- Disability or Handicap Marital or Family Status (families with children under 18 are protected)
These categories are known as "Protected Classes."
WARNING SIGNS
Discrimination can be direct—
- "I won't rent to Blacks or Hispanics."
- "I don't want any children"
- "No pets, no kids."
- "I don't rent to those kind"
It can be subtle—
- "You really won't like that neighborhood"
- "You'll have to call back. I think it's rented."
- "We only make appointments by telephone. We won't see you now"
- "My husband Just rented it. I forgot to take the sign down."
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
In Westchester County, Westchester Residential Opportunities Inc. (WRO) will help you if you have been denied access to housing because of discrimination, You have the right to expect to be shown every available housing unit within your price range. However, landlords, managers real estate agents, and other representatives of the property owner do not have to show you housing you cannot afford. A landlord may require a certain income, credit references, first and last months' rent and a security deposit. All this is legal if the same requirements, standards, and conditions are applied to everyone equally.
Follow these simple rules:
- Know what you can afford to pay. Determine how much of your income you can spend on a rental or purchase. Call WRO at 914-428-4507 if you need rental or pro-purchase counseling.
- Learn what is available in the housing market. Read the classified ads in daily or weekly publications and newspapers. Talk to other people who may live in the areas where you are looking for housing. Look for "For Rent or "For Sale" signs. Call WRO for a counseling appointment.
- Know what you want and what is most important to you. Consider such items as location, neighborhood/ number and size of rooms, bus and train service, size of building/ and convenience to schools and work. WRO’s counselors can help you with area maps, statistical information, transportation schedules, and school district telephone numbers.
- Clearly state your needs to the real estate agent, landlord, or apartment manager. Tell them what type of housing you want, when you plan to move, how much you can afford, and any special concerns you may have.
- Keep a record of your visits and conversations. Have a pen and paper with you to write down the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of people you talked to or met. Take notes about what you discussed. This information will be very important if you feel you were discriminated against.
- Be truthful and factual about yourself in any application you are asked to complete. Don't misrepresent your personal or financial situation. If you are asked about your race, religion, or nationality, do not respond to these questions, Continue the interview and complete the application. Then call WRO as soon as possible for help.
- If you leave a deposit, make sure you get a receipt which states the date, housing unit address, and amount of deposit. The receipt should be signed by the person receiving the money.
- Call back the real estate agent or property manager if you leave an application or are waiting for a reference or credit check. You should hear from them within 3 days. Follow up with a visit or telephone call.
- If the housing unit suddenly becomes unavailable for no apparent reason contact WRO to discuss possible discrimination.