Fair Housing Testing Investigations

Housing discrimination is not always easy to detect. And too often, when we don’t see it, we don’t report it. That’s why Florida Legal Services conducts fair housing testing investigations to properly identify, expose, and eliminate housing discrimination.

1. Young girl talking on phone; 2. Cartoon figure standing next to 'For Rent' sign; 3. Apartment building with parking lot; 4. Two women meet in office

Testers are hired to call and respond to home listings; pose as ordinary home seekers; tour available homes and apartments; and observe and document their experiences when searching for an apartment or home to rent or buy. By paying attention to the words and behaviors of leasing agents and loan officers, testers can help us determine if housing providers are complying with fair housing laws.

TESTERS NEEDED!

UNIQUE JOB OPPORTUNITY FOR EXTRA MONEY $$$

APPLY HERE!

Florida Legal Services, Inc., (FLS) a nonprofit organization, is recruiting testers to assist with its Fair Housing investigations. Housing Discrimination continues to have a negative impact on our communities and with the help of ‘Testers’ we can more appropriately identify where this discrimination is happening.

We seek people of all races, religions, national origins, gender identities, sexual orientation, and disabilities.

Testers will receive a stipend for each time they perform a test.

  • Testers pose as home seekers in various home renting or buying situations

  • Testers complete and turn in a report about the details of their experience

  • Hours are flexible

Testers must:

  • Attend a tester training hosted by FLS

  • Have no prior felony or criminal record related to fraud or perjury

  • Have no conflicting interests with Real Estate or Property Management companies

If interested, please contact Florida Legal Services at 407-801-4224, fairhousing@floridalegal.org, or fill out our Tester Application here.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What type of training is involved?

    • Testers will participate in a 2-4 hour training, either in-person or virtually with Florida Legal Services’ Test Coordinator and Project Manager.

  • Will I need to travel?

    • Most Tests are designed so that the Tester either has a short commute to the home or apartment, and still many tests are completed over the phone as ‘Phone Tests’.

  • Will I ever be involved in a court case?

    • There is a possibility, but this is rare. If a Tester reveals that discrimination is in fact occurring at one of their test sites, it is possible that the Tester will be called in as a witness. However, most of the time, these matters are settled or pursued without litigation.

  • How much money can I make?

    • Depending on the Test you are assigned, a Tester can be paid between $60-$100 to complete the test and write up a report about the experience. Each Test takes between 1-2 hours to complete. Depending on the need for tests in your area, you may be assigned anywhere from 2-8 tests a month. Consider this opportunity a way to make extra money while helping your community.

The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing related transactions because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability or familial status.