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Mistaken text sent to apartment-seeking couple sparks racial discrimination lawsuit
A couple searching for an apartment in Queens, New York, has filed a racial discrimination lawsuit after a real estate broker allegedly sent them a text message referencing their race just as they arrived to view a rental property.
Lisa Renee Olaso and her fiancée, Cyril Christopher, say the incident happened in June after they relocated from Delaware to New York for Olaso’s new job. The couple had arranged to view an apartment on 26th Avenue in Flushing through a broker with Douglas Elliman Realty.
According to Olaso, the broker saw them getting out of their car and sent a message that appeared to be intended for the property owner. Instead, Olaso received it directly.
“As we were getting out of the car, I received the text message that said, ‘Ugh. They are Black,’” Olaso recalled.
The message left the couple stunned. Olaso said she immediately told Christopher to get back into the car rather than continue with the apartment viewing.
Couple Says Broker Tried to Explain the Message
Olaso said she confronted the broker about the text. According to her account, the broker explained that previous Black tenants in the neighborhood had caused trouble.
Olaso questioned why the alleged behavior of other tenants would have any bearing on her and Christopher.
Christopher also described the experience as deeply hurtful, saying the couple felt judged before they had even been given a chance to view the property.
“It's like judging a book by its cover. You haven't even read the book, and you already made a judgement call,” he said.
Olaso acknowledged that the broker apologized, but said the apology did not erase the emotional impact of the incident.
“But it doesn't change the pain. It doesn't take away the pain that you caused us that day,” she said.
Lawsuit Names Brokerage, Agent and Property Owners
The couple has filed a lawsuit against Douglas Elliman Realty, the broker involved, and several people listed as owners of the property. Their legal action alleges violations of federal, New York state, and New York City housing discrimination laws.
Their attorney, Kenneth Mollins, argued that the text message should be considered in the broader context of the circumstances surrounding the planned apartment viewing. He said the property owners were included in the lawsuit because the couple believes they may have had a role in the alleged discrimination.
The claims have not been adjudicated in court.
In a statement, a Douglas Elliman spokesperson said the company has a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination of any kind and confirmed that the agent is no longer with the firm.
Messages were also left for the property owners and the broker seeking comment.
Couple Hopes Their Experience Prevents Similar Incidents
The couple has since found a home in Commack, Long Island, but says the experience continues to affect them.
Olaso said she decided to speak publicly because she hopes sharing the story will help prevent other people from experiencing similar treatment while searching for housing.
The case has drawn attention to the issue of racial discrimination in the rental market and the protections available to prospective tenants. Federal fair housing law prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, among other protected characteristics.
For Olaso and Christopher, the lawsuit is about more than one apartment viewing. They say they want their experience heard and hope it encourages greater accountability in the housing industry.
As the legal process moves forward, the allegations will be addressed through the courts.
Source: Eyewitness News ABC7NY
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