End Caste Discrimination in Housing and Rental Accommodation

Finding a home should depend on whether a person can responsibly rent or purchase it - not on the caste they were born into.

Yet people seeking rental accommodation can still encounter questions about their surname, caste or community before they are considered for a home.

Sometimes the rejection is direct. At other times, a house that was available suddenly becomes “unavailable,” or a prospective tenant is discouraged after their social background becomes known.

Whatever form it takes, discrimination in something as basic as housing can deeply affect a person's dignity and opportunities.

A home is more than four walls. Where someone is able to live can influence their access to employment, education, healthcare, transportation and the wider community.

Nobody should have to hide their identity or accept humiliation simply to find a place to live.

We are asking concerned state and local authorities, housing bodies and residential societies to take practical steps against caste-based discrimination in housing.

People who experience discrimination should have a clear way to report it. Complaints should be acknowledged and examined fairly. Housing societies and others involved in residential accommodation should also be made aware that discriminatory practices have no place in access to housing.

We are not asking for preferential treatment for anyone. We are asking for equal treatment.

A person's surname or caste should never determine whether they are considered worthy of becoming someone's neighbour.

India's Constitution places equality and protection against discrimination among its fundamental guarantees. Those principles should be reflected not only in institutions and laws, but also in ordinary experiences such as trying to find a home.

Please sign this petition to support fair and dignified access to housing without caste discrimination.