I am being discriminated against.
Shaun Thomas wrote earlier this month about a homelessness crisis approaching in Prince Rupert.
“People who are actually homeless and living on the street are probably small in number, but the number of people potentially homeless within a short period of time is probably several. These are people who are 30 days away from being homeless if something happens to disrupt their income level,” said Capt. Gary Sheils of the Salvation Army.
Well, Capt. Sheils, nothing has disrupted my income level, but you can add me to the list. I’m about 30 days from hitting the street as well.
I make a decent living, actually own my little house on the prairie in Manitoba; have good references (although a little dated because I haven’t needed to rent for some time); and Visa doesn’t give me a hard time, but yet, this is the dilemma I’m in. I rented a cozy little house on Fifth Ave. West, but it was only a short-term lease. That lease is up shortly and I can’t find a freakin’ house to rent.
To be fair, there are rentals in Prince Rupert but by far and large most of the landlords are discriminatory. Yes, despite good credit, good job, good references, good conduct, I am soundly rejected at every turn.
Why? I have a dog.
Taffy is the best part of my day and for the past five years she has been this man’s best friend.
And for that reason, I want a house with a yard.
Taffy is the most affable yellow labrador you’ll ever meet and never a problem. Well, down at the puppy park she did have a spat over a tennis ball with another lab, but they worked it out quickly.
But no matter how well-behaved Taffy is, the phone goes dead every time I mention I have a dog to a landlord advertising their place.
I get it. I understand it. Many landlords have had bad experiences with tenants and their pets. But if you drill down, the landlord didn’t have a bad experience with the pet, it was a bad owner of a pet. I pride myself on being a good owner. And I’m even more proud of my dog.
So if you have a small house with a yard and want to rent it. If you want your rent on time each and every month. If you want a responsible renter who will take good care of your place.
Don’t discriminate. Throw me a bone.
