Bias in buying, renting declines

Discrimination nationwide against African Americans looking to buy a home or rent appears to be waning, according to a new study by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. Latinos also had an easier time purchasing a home, but that was not the case when renting.

The results of the study, which included Los Angeles, showed that black home buyers received unfavorable treatment in 17% of home sales in 2000, down from 29% in 1989, the last time a similar survey was conducted. Black renters encountered discrimination in 22% of inquiries, less than the previous 26%. Discrimination against Latino home buyers also eased, falling to 20% from 27%, but Latino renters faced the same level of discrimination as in 1989.

The study, the third since 1977, was conducted in 23 metropolitan areas by sending two individuals -- one a minority and the other a white -- posing as renters or buyers with identical backgrounds responding to advertised housing units.