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Carter-Haston is a community (in a city with a majority white demographic)I applied to in the past, and they told me that I was denied housing because I am a “criminal,” which is odd because I have no criminal history – to this day.
Instead of accepting what they conveyed, I did my due diligence and filed a background check dispute (in case there was an error in my background check), and I also had the background check ran again by the same company Carter-Haston utilized; I had to ensure nothing showed up on my background check that shouldn’t be there.
The background check thankfully showed ZERO criminal history. But the result made me question the following comment the property manager said:
We are professionally managed by Carter-Haston, and we treat all residents equally and follow our company policies. I have worked for several companies in the past, and Carter Haston is fantastic!
Interestingly, Carter-Haston never revealed to me the criminal history they claimed was on the report they received; to this day, they have yet to reveal the background check they claim shows criminal history linked to me.
Disclaimer: Some information has been omitted in the following email for privacy.
The Letter I Sent To Carter-Haston’s Executive Team
Hello Carter & Haston,
I hope you are staying safe, well, and healthy during this time.
My name is , and I recently applied to one of your newest communities.
Carter-Haston has denied me housing because apparently, you all are labeling me a “criminal.” Yet, I have no criminal background or history.
So, instead of giving up on a community I love and desire to live in, I ordered the same background check Carter-Haston executed and had it sent to the community and myself today.
My background check reveals excellent credit and no criminal records. I’ve never had any trouble with the law before, so this comes as no surprise.
Furthermore, I’ve never been denied housing by any property before for any reason – you are the first. Last month, I applied to another community, and my background check was completely clear.
Another troubling fact is that you have also denied X housing because they didn’t provide a written notice to their current property. But why would they need to provide notice to their current property when their move-in date with your community is more than 60 days out?
So, I’m labeled a “criminal,” with no criminal history, and X was denied for not having a written notice?
Currently, we live in the same community. Furthermore, I didn’t provide a written notice to the community we both live in either, so why didn’t you convey this wasn’t a problem for me, but it is for X? Something isn’t adding up here.
X can easily provide written notice if it matters that much; therefore, why not allow X the opportunity to provide written notice before denying X’s application?
You are the first company and people to claim I am a “criminal,” which is borderline defamation. I’ve never experienced a property that didn’t actively demonstrate they desired me to be part of their community – you are the first.
I sent the community my background checks, showing no criminal history and credit better than most Americans.
Please explain the REAL reason why you all are denying our applications? Is it because we are African-American, and we don’t fit your desired demographic?
Note: We both more than exceed the income requirements. We both work in technology and have exceptionally stable incomes. We are both more than willing to give you all X dollars per month for two of your units. And we desire to make your community our home to be closer to family, as we are moving from out of state.
I have included my background check info below. My background check has also been sent to the community today. You will find no discrepancies, no criminal records, solid rental history, and excellent credit, which all equate to a perfect housing applicant.
This is a perfect case for a discrimination suit, but I don’t feel it necessary to pursue it. May you help me get this situation resolved immediately?
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Reflection
I find housing discrimination bizarre. How could you do this to someone and consider yourself a humane person?
I decided to write about this article because I want to utilize my voice to share my personal experience with housing discrimination.
Hopefully, the right people see this article and help spread change in the real estate industry because we sure need it; this behavior is far from okay.
Need More: Keep Reading
Carter-Haston Denied Me Housing
Was I Discriminated Against?
Correcting Systemic Racism Doesn’t Have To Be Difficult
5 Things To Bring Change & Help
A Letter To Whomever This
And Here Is ONE of The Texts I Sent
A Response to Three White
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.