Fair housing laws prohibit discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or family status (living with minor children).
Often, it can be difficult to know if an owner or property manager is telling the truth about housing availability or is offering the same terms (such as rent, security deposit, and specials) to people from different groups.
Fair housing testing is an effective way to determine if people are being treated fairly. Fair Housing Testers are trained to “shop” for apartments and homes and report back about their experiences.
Testers are trained before being sent on their first test and complete a practice test as part of the training.
Testing fits into most schedules. Testers are paid a stipend for the training, as well as for each test they complete. In addition, testers are reimbursed for expenses, such as mileage, where applicable.
Important eligibility information: (1) Under rules established by our funders, testers cannot have prior felony convictions or convictions of crimes of fraud or perjury. A background check will be performed on all testers before they are assigned their first test. (2) Testers are required to provide proof of having been vaccinated for COVID (or receive an approved medical or religious exemption).
Our testing program seeks people from all walks of life, from all the protected groups, including people of all races and genders.
If you are interested in helping us with this important work or would like more information, please send an email with your name and phone number so that we can get in touch with you. You can email the Testing Coordinator at testing@fairhousingnc.org.
