Suffolk University Law School Housing Discrimination Testing Program

The HDTP is seeking individuals who are willing to serve as housing discrimination testers. Testers are independent contractors who assume a role and, without intent to rent, pose as renters for the purpose of collecting evidence of housing practices. A fair housing test usually involves a pair of testers – as similar as possible in all ways, but for the actual or representation of membership in a protected class who contact a housing provider and gather evidence as to how they are treated during the rental process.

Testers are required to follow proper procedures in order to remain objective and impartial. Testers are required to complete all test forms in a timely manner. There is no guarantee as to how often a tester will have the opportunity to participate in tests. Testers will be compensated after completion of each test.

Testers may be called as witnesses if legal action is pursued. The HDTP is supported by a grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Per HUD regulations, the HDTP must perform a criminal background check prior to approving a tester’s participation in the program. Testers cannot have prior felony convictions or have been convicted of crimes of perjury or fraud. Testers cannot have an economic interest in the outcome of a test.