What is fair housing testing?
Fair housing testing is an investigative tool used to gather evidence of housing discrimination. Generally, testing refers to the use of individuals who, without bona fide intent to rent or purchase a home, apartment, or other dwelling, pose as a prospective renter or home seeker for the purpose of gathering information which may indicate whether a housing provider is complying with fair housing laws. Sometimes testing investigations yield evidence that may enable complainants to meet their burden of proving illegal discrimination occurred. Testing can also be used to identify and challenge more subtle forms of housing discrimination that may be restricting housing opportunities for different populations within a community. FHJC’s testing program is called the “Acting for Justice” program. To read more about our testing program, see Partnerships.