Apartment Hunting Report
 

FYI, I know many of you have graduated or will soon: I just saw an interesting report on the news that I'd like to share with the apartment hunters out there. The report outlined "subtle" discrimination by apartment landlords. The report talked about how African Americans are often asked more questions such as marital status when applying for an apartment which shows the "gatekeeping" of African Americans. It also used black and white participants to study one of the largest apartment communities in this city (Charlotte). The white participants were given an escorted tour of the apartment and told that they could move in immediately, whereas the black participants were given a tour, but the agent stood in one place while they looked at the apartment and were told that the apartment would not be available for weeks. In part, this was so shocking because I remember 8 years ago when my husband (then boyfriend) and his aunt were trying to get an apartment together, they were told by one apartment complex in particular that they did not allow couples to get an apartment together unless they were married. I thought this was ludicrious back then since they were family, but here's confirmation that this is prevelant.

I apologize for the long post, but considering that the average southern one bedroom rents for 550 per month ($6600.00 per year)I would like all of us to make educated decisions on where we choose to invest our money.

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>>>"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised... Proverbs 31:29-30



[This message has been edited by tickledpink (edited May 22, 2000).]

Well that was an interesting topic you brought out...i JUST got finished looking around for my first apartment and came to a decision on one. The application had some questions dealing with marital status, but of course since i am not married it didn't apply to me. The only the only requirement. that I had a question with was the fact that she wanted to know all my momma's business as well. like does she own a home and she asked me SPECIFICALLY WHERE and in WHAT city she worked. but that was before i gave my mom the form that she was supposed to fill out that would have had all that info. it seemed alittle odd to me, but maybe thats standard procedure (since i am still a student she has to co-sign). Anyway I was VERY impressed with the tour she gave me...she was very thorough in answering my questions. I am still just wondering though: Did she HAVE to ask me WHERE and WHAT city my mom worked in?
MEEKS

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The truly educated NEVER graduate

[This message has been edited by meeks (edited May 22, 2000).]

Meeks... when I was in college and my LS and I got an apartment, I do not remember completing a form regarding my mother and her bizness! It was 8 years ago! Who knows, but anyway that is interesting.

Tickle... thanks for the post. I'm in my own apartment. I've been here for almost 5 years now. I have got to go! I'm tired of being here. I think I will move during the summer to a bigger place and begin looking for a house. Your tips will make me pay more attention to the person showing me the places. I pay $440 a month for a one bedroom/one bath.