I Feel like crying...Unbelievable (Indianapolis, Noblesville: apartment, leasing agent, crime)

[msnina]

I had in the past done every research possible before deciding to relocate to another state. We decided on Noblesville, IN in the end. To my surprise I was appalled by the way I was treated after finding out I was an “African American Women” who only wants the best education possible for her children. Let me tell you all a little about myself. I am in HR..Fulltime student and also tutor and mentor kids that are high risk. My children are very involved in everything I do. We make every thing a family affair, I tutor…the tutor…we all tutor very involved in the community.

Well, to make a long story short. I came out to Noblesville, IN to this apt complex, I won’t name the name. But, when they young man realized I was an African American it looked like his face just dropped. I filled out the application that he provided, but felt like he was watching me the entire time. He (the young man that gave me the application) then pulls out a sword and says “This is my letter opener.” My daughter almost fainted which is 8 years old. We looked around the apt, thought it was nice and the young man asked that I give him a call tomorrow, which I did to NO prevail. This man would not answer the phone for nothing in the world...I called 5 times. The last time is decided to call from my work phone which he didn’t have and to my surprise, he answered. I spoke and asked about my application...He stated “It was denied.” I asked “Do you know why I was denied?” He stated “Nope, the landlord didn’t say.” I asked him “Is there any way possible I could speak with him to see why my application was denied, since I made 5x’s more then what the rent is going for?” He bluntly told me “No, I can’t give out his number. But I know he checks your back ground and credit report.” I stated “My back ground and credit report are clean...and how was he able to check my background and credit report when I did not give you a SSN?” He couldn’t answer. That’s when he said “Oh...that could be why you were denied.” I asked “If that’s the case, how come no one called me, and why have you been dodging your phone for the last 2 days?” He couldn’t answer me. I also asked “Are there any African Americans that live in the complex?” He stuttered..and said “Oh…ummm..yeah, were with the equal housing.” “Oh really did you forget everyone who rents has to be?” I asked.

My heart aches so bad…I hate racism with a passion. I love being an African American woman, but believe me when I say...My color comes with a price and at times, it’s hard to deal with. The same crime elements that white people are scared of, black people are scared of. The same crime element that white people fear, we fear. So, we defend ourselves from the same crime elements that white people defend themselves from. We are all the same, but different color...Some of us may even be related.

[grmasterb]

You should consider filing a lawsuit claiming discrimination under the Fair Housing Act.

My hope is that you don't see this as indicative of the mentality in Noblesville. One of my friends is an African American male who lives in Noblesville. To my knowledge, he gets along well with his neighbors and has experienced no such hostility. Sounds like the fellow you encountered is just a moron.

[Bette]

In this day and age, unbelievable. I am a white female. I am also blind in one eye, limited vision in the other. People know there's something different but they don't ask.

So, I know how you feel. I have been discriminated (quietly, of course) against from Day 1. Finally, I realized I would have to be self employed.

I am so sad this happened to you. Just find another place. Not right.

[mzzlisa]

The landlord HAS to provide you with a letter stating why you were denied if he denied you based on your credit report. I am currently trying to rent out my house and one of the things I insist on when filling out an application is that its filled out completely. I will deny one if its not, but I do tell the person first to please fill out all the blanks.
I just moved from Noblesville, and yes, there is quite a bit of racism there. But there are good neighborhoods too with friendly neighbors. You just have to look.

[dawgwlker]

I am so sorry that that happened to you ... That is terrible and wrong ...

[Works Aero]

I agree with grmasterb. or at least talk with a lawyer.
I think this type of behavior is completely unacceptable and unfortunately sometimes this is the only way to make people understand
I had dealt with stereotypes and racism alot while living in Indianapolis until I decided to move to Chicago.
which ethnic diversity is very accepted here.

[sweetana3]

Please remember that apartment managers are often not highly paid professionals. You appear to have hit a real bummer.

Indy is a big Midwestern city. There are those here who discriminate for all kinds of reasons and there is a good reason why the laws against discrimination were created. Some dont like families, some dont like seniors, some dont like goth, some dont like asians, some dont like German accents, some dont like Insert . Some are just so clueless they dont even know what they can and cannot do.

First, I would not want to try and live in such a complex. Dealing with such management would be irritating on a daily basis. You will find something even better.

[BamaJack]

Sorry for you ... assuming this treatment really happened/all those facts are accurate.

[abalz]

Under fair housing laws in Indiana, it is illegal for that leasing agent to tell you what kind of people live in that complex. When you asked if there were African-Americans living in the neighborhood, he is not legally allowed to say yes or no. Make a complaint to the state gov about it.... fair housing lawsuits are serious and costly! They can take down a whole management company. May not get you in there, but you'll be helping others that could potentially end up in your situation. If your application was denied, you should be given a reason why. Most management companies tell employees to never release corporate office phone numbers, to deal with people themselves. Try looking it up online, or if it's a private owner, find out from the county who owns the property. Call them and threaten a fair-housing suit if they won't give you the answers you are entitled to. Good Luck!

[jamesandveybe]

Originally Posted by msnina

We are all the same, but different color...Some of us may even be related.

People have their own experiences with other races. Some good, some bad. It appears you ran into a manager who had a bad experience from someone of your race. Keep looking, there are just as many people who have had good experiences.