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Some of the key illegal practices to look for include the refusal
to negotiate the sale or rental; making the conditions of the
rental or purchase worse than they were at first; or any kind
of advertising that indicates any preference, limitation or discrimination
based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability
or children in the family.
You should be particularly suspicious of any questions or requests
for information that attempt to indicate your race or ethnic
background, for example, applications that ask race or racially
oriented questions or request photographs.
You should also remember that it is forbidden under state law
to discriminate against a person because of handicap, disability
or the use of a guide dog in the rental of housing; so, for example
a blind or wheelchair bound person who felt that he or she could
properly use a home or apartment should insist on the right to
buy or rent it.
These various discrimination laws discussed do have a few exceptions,
but they cover the vast majority of situations.
The federal laws and other related laws which protect these same
groups generally apply not only to the sellers and renters of
housing, but to those people who work with them, such as rental
agents and real estate agents. Thus, everyone in the housing
field should be very careful to avoid any illegal discrimination.
If you believe that you have been a victim of discrimination
of the type discussed, you should immediately contact the appropriate
agency. Generally these agencies are the Pennsylvania Human Relations
Commission and the United States Department of Housing and Urban
Development. Both of these agencies have their offices in Pittsburgh
but will accept telephone calls and mail from the Erie area and
will pursue their investigations in person in Erie.
In order to file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations
Commission, telephone the Commission Monday through Friday at
its Pittsburgh telephone number which is 412/565-5395. The Department
of Housing and Urban Development can be telephoned Monday through
Friday at 412/644-6428.
As a general rule, there is a short period of time in which
you can file your complaint about housing discrimination. So,
once you believe you may have been discriminated against in a
unlawful fashion, you should act quickly and contact the appropriate
agency and file a complaint. If you do not file a complaint within
the time allowed by law, you may lose whatever legal rights you
may have to damages or other relief the Court could have granted
if you had acted in time. Once a complaint is filed, the appropriate
agency will make an investigation of the complaint. They will
speak to you and to the other parties involved. They will request
documents and will interview various people who may have relevant
information. The agency may very well carry out some efforts
to settle the dispute. If the agency believes that it has found
probable cause to believe that discrimination has occurred, it
will press the case forward.
You have the right to be free of illegal discrimination. But,
remember, you must take prompt action to protect yourself and
your family if you believe this kind of discrimination has occurred.
If you need an attorney and don't have one, the Lawyer Referral and Information Service can help.
Call Us Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM - Noon and 1:15 PM - 3:00 PM
at (814) 459-4411. |
