Enforcement & Testing
ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT SOCIAL JUSTICE AND ACCESS TO HOUSING?
The Fair Housing Council of Metropolitan Memphis (FHCMM) is a new nonprofit that exists to combat the history of public and private policies and practices which have led to high degrees of segregation and discriminatory practices against vulnerable populations in Metropolitan Memphis.
We take calls from people who believe they have been the victims of housing discrimination, investigate those complaints, and when necessary, assist them in filing a case with HUD, the Tennessee Human Rights Commission, or in court.
We need your help.
To investigate the housing discrimination complaints we receive, FHCMM performs fair housing tests.
If you:
Are over the age of 18
Have a car or access to public transportation
Have flexible availability and
Are reliable and able to use a computer
You may be eligible to be a fair housing tester.
What is Fair Housing Testing?
- Testing is a tool used by fair housing organizations and government agencies to investigate housing discrimination.
- Testing sometimes includes sending two people who are assigned similar profiles and housing needs but a different protected class status, such as race. The testers contact a housing provider asking about similar housing units to see if they are treated differently.
- Testing can occur in the rental, real estate, sales, or lending markets. The U.S. Supreme Court has recognized that without testing, most housing discrimination goes undetected.
What is a Tester?
- Testers are a diverse group of reliable, conscientious people, 18 years and older, who assist the FHCMM in gathering information about housing practices. They are of various racial and ethnic groups, men, women, and nonbinary folks, over a broad range of ages with and without disabilities.
- Testers take on various roles and profiles depending on characteristics assigned them by a test coordinator.
- Testers do not try to trap the housing provider or cause them to discriminate. They perform a task similar to a restaurant critic or “secret shopper.” They observe and record their experiences and gather information about housing providers and their policies and practices. After each test, the tester completes an account of what occurred during the test for submission to FHCMM.
Why Testing?
Testing is a proven method that ensures all housing consumers receive equal treatment, regardless of race, gender, religion, national origin, familial status, disability, and color under the Fair Housing Act. The U.S. Supreme Court has recognized that without testing, most housing discrimination goes undetected. By testing, we can identify and eliminate discriminatory housing practices, ensuring inclusive and equitable access to housing for all.
How to Become a Tester?
- If a tester’s application is approved, testers are required to participate in training prior to conducting any tests.
- Testers are classified as special employees who receive a stipend for their time, depending on the type of test conducted. Related expenses can be reimbursed with prior approval.
- Testers do not need to have their own car so long as they are able to get to and from test sites. Some tests can be done over the phone. Tests are arranged around the tester’s schedule on an as needed basis.
- Due to the potential to be a witness in a lawsuit or administrative complaint involving their tests, testers are screened for criminal history and any possible conflicts of interest.
If you are interested in learning more about testing or applying to be a tester, please complete the form below, or email info@fhcmm.org with the subject “Fair Housing Tester Interest” or call us at 901-538-7700.