Dalit house owner bucks the trend on choice of tenants

MYSURU: A mathematics teacher and writer from the Dalit community, who couldn’t get a house on rent due to his caste till last year, has put up a rather different board in front of his newly constructed residence in Vijayanagar 4th Stage, 2nd Phase here. It says his house is for available for rent without fear of discrimination due to food preferences or caste.
High school teacher Raghothama Hoba said no one should have a problem while looking for a house on rent.
“I faced many problems while searching for a house," he said, adding that owners preferred vegetarians.
He added, “Last year, I gave a token advance for a house in Giridarshini Layout here. But the owner refused to give me the house after coming to know I’m from a Scheduled Caste community. As far as my house is concerned, I’m making it clear that everyone, including non-vegetarians, are welcome to be tenants.”
He cited the experience of a friend who went to over 20 houses but was turned away because of his caste. He was forced to shell out a monthly rent of Rs 10,000 for a house which would normally be available for Rs 7,000.
Agents who assist househunters said caste and food habits matter a lot. “In many places, owners put up a board which indicates that only vegetarians are welcome. In some places, owners don’t put up such boards but hire agents to find tenants of their choice,” said an agent.