Housing Rights Initiative

01/17/2026

“On Wednesday, HRI filed housing discrimination cases targeting 62 real estate agents, brokerage firms, and landlords in Oakland and across California. HRI said the group compiled evidence showing low-income prospective tenants were discriminated against, in violation of state law.”

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — A housing watchdog group, Housing Rights Initiative (HRI), said its sweeping undercover investigation exposed landlords around Oakland who illegally thwarted prospectiv…

09/25/2025

Families with rental subsidies often face illegal discrimination when searching for housing. To fight back, Compass has joined forces with the Housing Rights Initiative to uncover and challenge these practices.

Learn more about this partnership: https://www.compass-sf.org/post/fighting-housing-discrimination-compass-joins-forces-with-the-housing-rights-initiative

09/04/2025

“It is patently absurd that companies like Dermot can be handed tens of millions of dollars worth of tax breaks – with no accountability – yet still feel the need to squeeze more profits by cheating their tenants out of a properly stabilized lease,” said Michael Shank, organizing director at Housing Rights Initiative. “Is there any limit to their greed?”

The residents of Alta LIC say Dermot Co. and others jacked up prices beyond official limits.

05/19/2025

“A non-profit watchdog group Wednesday filed complaints accusing 103 real estate agents, brokerage firms and property owners across the state of discriminating against Section 8 voucher holders.”

More than 100 property owners, real estate agents and brokers, including 13 in Buffalo are accused of refusing to rent to Section 8 tenants.

01/21/2025

Real estate agents, brokerage firms and landlords routinely violated state law by rejecting renters who sought to use housing vouchers, the Housing Rights Initiative claimed in a slew of complaints filed Monday.

11/27/2024

“This settlement is more than just a settlement for these families. It means more money for food, health care and housing in one of the most unaffordable cities on planet Earth.”

Dozens of New York City renters are receiving payoffs from Blackstone in a settlement of a case that accused the previous landlord of violating rent-stabilization rules.