What is Testing?

Testing is a term that refers to a process of checking the housing market to determine the treatment accorded to different homeseekers. Two individuals, alike in every respect except the variable being tested, are sent to the same rental, sales, or mortgage lending office. Testers take careful notes of what transpires. Differences in treatment often form the basis for the successful resolution of a fair housing complaint.

 

What is a Tester?

As a tester, you play the role of a home seeker–-a person who is looking for a home in which to live. Testers must be objective, careful observers and reporters of what transpires as they seek housing.

 

Why Testing?

The testing process has been consistently supported by the U.S. Supreme Court and other federal courts as a legitimate, necessary, and often, the only method available to identify practices of unlawful housing discrimination. The reports and testimony by testers are accepted by courts as evidence of discriminatory conduct.

 

Where do I find out more?

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a tester, please email us at info@fhcswm.org.