A non-profit housing watchdog organization is taking legal action against 20 property companies and real estate brokers in the Boston area, alleging discrimination against low-income tenants.
The lawsuit, filed by Lawyers for Civil Rights and Handley Farah & Anderson on behalf of the Housing Rights Initiative, claims that landlords and brokers refused to rent to tenants with government-subsidized housing vouchers.
Using “testers” posing as potential tenants, the nonprofit discovered that initially, companies responded positively to inquiries but later rejected tenants with housing vouchers, often known as “Section 8” vouchers.
The lawsuit, filed in Suffolk Superior Court, presents screenshots of conversations where landlords and brokers purportedly state they don’t accept vouchers.
According to Aaron Carr, founder of Housing Rights Initiative, the lawsuit aims to ensure compliance with the law and prevent unfair treatment of people with Section 8 vouchers. Carr believes this lawsuit is just the beginning and hopes it sends a message to all real estate companies in Boston.
Discrimination against voucher holders perpetuates racial segregation patterns, limiting housing options for people of color and prolonging their search for suitable housing.
Douglas Quattrochi from MassLandlords suggests better training for landlords on housing laws and simplifying the process for renting to voucher holders.
This lawsuit comes amid housing challenges in Massachusetts, particularly for low-income residents and people of color. Similar lawsuits have been filed in New York City, highlighting a national issue exacerbated in tight housing markets like Boston’s.
