The largest landlord in the US, Greystar, faces serious allegations of civil rights violations for systematically refusing federal housing choice vouchers, also known as Section 8, in multiple states. Civil rights complaints filed in California, Hawaii, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Virginia, and Washington DC accuse the company of 114 violations of fair housing laws. These actions highlight a troubling pattern of disregarding local regulations designed to ensure housing affordability for low-income tenants.
What Are the Allegations Against Greystar?
The complaints, filed by the Housing Rights Initiative and law firm Cohen Milstein, claim Greystar staff routinely rejected prospective tenants using Section 8 vouchers or imposed unlawful conditions on voucher use. Undercover testers recorded calls where employees at Greystar-run buildings either refused to accept vouchers or added illegal restrictions. Aaron Carr, executive director of the Housing Rights Initiative, stated, “We have never encountered a landlord that operates with such brazen contempt and hostility toward the rule of law as Greystar.”
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Impact on Fair Housing and Low-Income Renters
These alleged violations undermine the purpose of the Housing Choice Voucher Program, which helps low-income families afford safe housing. By refusing vouchers in areas where it is required by law, Greystar may be exacerbating housing inequality. The company operates over 1 million units in the US, including roughly 235,000 in the jurisdictions where complaints were filed, according to Yardi Matrix data.
| State/Jurisdiction | Number of Alleged Violations |
|---|---|
| California | 20 |
| Hawaii | 15 |
| Maryland | 18 |
| Michigan | 12 |
| New Jersey | 22 |
| Virginia | 14 |
| Washington DC | 13 |
This data underscores the widespread nature of the allegations. Greystar has not addressed the specifics but stated it is “committed to fair housing practices.”
Key Takeaways for Tenants and Landlords
- Know your rights: Tenants with Section 8 vouchers have legal protections in many states.
- Document everything: Record interactions with landlords if legal in your state.
- File complaints: Report violations to local housing authorities or civil rights agencies.
- Seek legal help: Organizations like Housing Rights Initiative can assist.
FAQ
What is Section 8 housing?
Section 8, or the Housing Choice Voucher Program, is a federal program that helps low-income families pay for private housing by subsidizing a portion of the rent.
Can a landlord refuse Section 8 vouchers?
In many states and localities, landlords are legally required to accept Section 8 vouchers if they receive certain tax benefits or operate in jurisdictions with source-of-income discrimination laws.
What should I do if my landlord refuses my voucher?
Document the refusal, contact your local housing authority, and consider filing a fair housing complaint with your state’s civil rights agency or HUD.
These allegations come amid a broader scrutiny of Greystar’s practices, including a recent Guardian investigation into excessive fees. As the largest landlord in the US, Greystar’s actions have far-reaching implications for housing access and civil rights.
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