LOS ANGELES – Asian American homebuyers and renters face discrimination and adverse treatment as or more often than other communities of color when seeking a home, according to a US government study.
The study done by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and The Urban Institute found on average that Asian American homebuyers are told about 15.5 percent less homes and are shown 18.8 percent less homes than non-Hispanic White buyers.
In addition, prospective Asian American renters are told about 9.8 percent less homes and are shown 6.6 percent less units when seeking a rental home or apartment.
“This report clearly shows that discrimination continues to be a systemic problem in the housing industry, especially for communities of color,” said Lisa Hasegawa, Executive Director of the National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development (National CAPACD).
“The implications here are extensive, as housing discrimination significantly impacts educational and economic opportunities,” Hasegawa said. “The findings reveal that we still have further to go as a nation to safeguard the civil liberties guaranteed to all Americans under the Fair Housing Act.”
The report, “Housing Discrimination against Racial and Ethnic Minorities 2012”, reveal discrimination is still prevalent in major metropolitan real estate markets across the country.
Among the key findings of the report include:
-For every two in-person visits, Asians are told about one fewer unit, with Whites 9.2 points more likely to be favored.
-For every two in-person visits, Asians are shown 1 fewer home, with Whites 13.9 points more likely to be favored.
These rates are comparable or higher than the rates of discrimination faced by Hispanic and African American home seekers.
Researchers also specifically noted that “minority home seekers whose ethnicity is more readily identifiable” – according to name, physical appearance or accent, for example – are significantly more likely to be denied an appointment than minorities perceived to be white.
Officials added Asian renters are more likely than a decade ago to be shown fewer units, while trends for black and Hispanic renters seem to be improving.
Hasegawa said National CAPACD officials plan to work with HUD and policymakers about fair housing enforcement.
(www.asianjournal.com)
(LA Midweek June 19, 2013 Sec A pg.4)