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new development re. discrimination on familial sta
by Joe
on October 23, 2014 @20:44
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The Dept. of Civil Rights investigator sent us a new e-mail saying the other party has reduced her offer to $5000ish, being the difference of our rent and the current rent she is paying times 4 years which was how long she plan to stay. and we can counter-offer.
My questions:
1) she didn't come to viewing, never applied, how can she assume that she would have been the best applicant re. credit/income?
2) isn't our law "innocent until proven guilty"? How can I be accused of discrimination for just a casual comment without any action without denying anyone anything?
3) If for the sake of hassle, we counter-offer, does that then mean we admit to the wrong-doing? Then Civil Rights can turn around and investigate us again? Why would I admit to something I didn't do?
4) Do landlords have any civil rights at all? such as freedom from fear?
5) I want to hire an attorney, but should I get a real estate lawyer or civil rights lawyer? How do I know who is good?
Thank you all for helping out!
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Re: new development re. discrimination on familial sta
by Anonymous
on October 23, 2014 @21:11
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Innocent until proven guilty applies to crimes and to court cases. You have not committed a crime, however you may have violated the tenant's civil rights by asking the question the way you did.
Please stop making repeated posts asking he same questions and hire a lawyer. A real estate lawyer is not going to do you any good, because this is not a real estate matter. You need a lawyer who can prove to the Civil Rights Dept. that your comment was not intended to be discriminatory and that you do not discriminate on a regular basis.
Do this.
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Re: new development re. discrimination on familial sta
by MrDan (Georgia)
on October 23, 2014 @22:01
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You should have already retained an attorney to handle this. Contact your local Bar Association for a list of Defense lawyers that handle FHA discrimination cases.
You do relize that the Michigan Department of Civil Rights require the documents they requested to be delivered in a timely manner, usually within two weeks. Don't make matters more difficult by not having an attorney respond to them on time. Always have your attorney review and submit any documents they request.
You are in a bind right now, and way over your head. You need legal advice and guidance to get thru this with the least cost to you. You do not want to go to court as you may wind up paying far more than they are now asking.
A good Defense attorney who handles FHA discrimnation cases can either stop any futher action or help reach a settlement.
Besure that you will be investigated for any other discrimination over time. Have all your documents and records in order. Your attorney will show you whats required.
Again, the only thing that matters right now is the fact that you made a statement (email) that is seen as a violation of the FHA. The fact she did not show up at the viewing gives substance that your email had a discriminating effect. Everything else you have stated has little or no effect on the discrimination complaint.
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Re: new development re. discrimination on familial sta
by John Brayton (Massachusetts)
on October 24, 2014 @08:50
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All of this is by email??
Before even hiring an attorney, contact this Department of Civil Rights on the phone or in person to validate the authenticity of the sender. Don't trust any phone number that may be in the email messages. I think this is nothing other than a scam.
There are many red flags here: communication from a state agency via email, an immediate offer to settle, and an immediate reduction in the settlement amount. This doesn't even sound like a complaint that a state agency would take seriously.
That said, if the message is from a state agency, hire an attorney today and get their help with this. If this is legitimate, you need advice from a legal professional.
John
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Re: new development re. discrimination on familial sta
by Anonymous (tx)
on October 24, 2014 @09:45
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When I was accussed of discrimination about 5 years ago, the agency notified me via certified mail. I did not get a email from them . I think you are being scammed. I would call the agency myself and see if they have recieved a complaint about you.
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Mediation
by Anonymous
on October 25, 2014 @00:41
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http://www.michigan.gov/mdcr/0,4613,7-138-42240_43561-153173--,00.html
How Can I Learn More About Mediation?
If you filed a complaint of discrimination with MDCR, or if a complaint has been filed against you, your company or organization, and you wish to consider mediation, our Mediation Coordinator can help.
Greg Petty
Cadillac Place - Suite 3-600
3054 West Grand Boulevard
Detroit, MI 48202
Toll Free: 1/800.482.3604
Direct Phone: (313) 456-3775
Fax: (313) 456-3801
Email: Pettyg@Michigan.gov
You can also contact your local MDCR office for information.
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Smells more like a scam.
by Anonymous
on October 25, 2014 @00:46
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http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdcr/complaintprocessbroc04-12-10_1_317648_7.pdf
A complaint may be filed with the Michigan
Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) if the
alleged act of discrimination occurred within
the past 180 days. When a complaint alleging a
violation of civil rights protected by state law
or the Constitution is processed by MDCR,
the following procedures are implemented:
1.
First Contact.
If an individual has a
question about civil rights, or believes s/he
has been discriminated against, the first step
is to contact the department by phone,
TTY, in person, by mail, or by e-mail to
discuss the concern with a civil rights
investigator.
2.
Formal Complaint
. If the department
determines the concern raised by an
individual (claimant) is timely and
jurisdictional under the laws enforced by the
department, a formal complaint is prepared
for the claimant to sign before a notary
public. Once a signed complaint is received,
it is placed on the department’s docket. A
copy of the complaint is provided to the
claimant and served upon the party against
whom the complaint is made (respondent).
The respondent will have a minimum of 14
days to answer the complaint, agree to
mediation (if appropriate) or propose
resolution. In some
cases interrogatories
are sent along with a department order
requesting a response
within 28 days.
Failure to comply with the order may result
in enforcement by the Attorney General’s
Office.
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Re: After others called the State, can you also call??
by Anonymous
on October 25, 2014 @04:49
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Everyone within both the American and Chinese communities had told you many times already that do not try to settle your case right now. The reason is that your case is not only yours, but also every landlord's within the great State of Michigan and every landlord's across this great country-the United States of America. What you should do now is try to find your all the contact persons within your local landlord assiociations, your state landlord assiociations and the national ones. Tell them your case now, and ask them for help, one of their own small landlords. Those assiociations have all kinds of lawyers and attorneies, connections, and more importantly, the funding sources to defend a small landlord like you within the court of law. It is very possible that instead of making your husband pay out thousands of dollars of your own hard-earned money to the total strangers, you may get something much more at the very end. So as I said before, after the others called the State already, can you also call, please??
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Re: new development re. discrimination on familial sta
by Suzanne (IL)
on October 26, 2014 @10:22
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I had a family of 7 try this same scam on me.
I was renting a one-bedroom last July.
Prospect set up appt. to view apt.
boyfriend girlfriend showed for viewing.
wanted to give me cash right there for deposit
I gave them application, they refused to fill out, stating they were afraid of identity theft.
i stated no application - no rental
3 days later they showed for another viewing, they had their 'brother' call for appt.
7 showed for viewing; boyfriend, girlfriend, brother, his two kids, the mother and granddaughter
I told them - no, it's a one-bedroom
September I get a call from their 'lawyer'
if I don't rent to them they will take me to court for discrimination.
I told the lawyer the story, he said he didn't care, I had to rent to them
Told the lawyer that I already rented to someone
he said he'll sue me
I just told him; No return for broken merchandise and hung up
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