Every human being has a right to secure, safe and comfortable accommodation. However, not everyone can afford to own a home. As a result, most people live in rented properties.
Both federal and California laws protect tenants from unfair actions (like race, gender, or religion-based discrimination) from their landlords. Thus, if your landlord discriminates against you on any basis, you need to seek justice and the resulting damages.
Here are warning signs that your landlord (or potential landlord) could be discriminating against you.
Your landlord is asking probing questions
While every landlord has a right to know the individual they are renting their property to, certain questions can be improperly used to block you from renting the property in question. Some of the discriminating questions a landlord can ask while interrogating a potential tenant include:
- Are you planning to have more children?
This question can come in a number of forms. Perhaps, the landlord has concerns about additional children on the property, or they are concerned that maternity leave could impact your finance and hinder your ability to pay rent. Reason notwithstanding, your family situation should never impact your candidacy for the rental property.
- What is your religion?
The potential landlord can ask this question if they are biased towards or against people of a certain religion. However, the question is absolutely inappropriate and could amount to discrimination based on your religion.
Your landlord is making suspicious remarks
Sometimes, a potential landlord can make suspicious comments while discussing the tenancy subject with you. For instance, there is no problem with the landlord telling you that they do not have a vacant unit presently. However, if say this immediately after obtaining sensitive information from you (like your religion or sexual orientation), then this can raise suspicion of discrimination.
If a prospective landlord discriminates against you, it is in your best interest that you take action.