In need of a foster or adopter

[katiea]

I’ve posted this a couple places already but I still don’t have anyone to help so I’ll try here..I am being evicted for being gay and I need to find a place for my birds until I have a new place. I have 30 days notice and there are no discrimination laws where I live (TN) so this is legal. I can find a place for me to stay temporarily but it will probably take time to find a bird friendly place. They come with cages, food, toys, etc. They all eat harrisons pellets except one rescue who is still transitioning from a seed diet, she eats about 10% harrisons right now. I have 2 green cheeks, 2 lovebirds, 2 tiels, and 2 finches. The lovebirds live together and the finches live together but everyone else is separated. The tiels and in stacked cages and the conures are only together when supervised as they are still getting used to each other. One of the conures needs a new cage but I will buy that. One of the green cheeks (Galeo) dislikes loud birds (except the other gcc, Wobie, who is a screamer, but Galeo tolerates it because he loves Wobie), and Wobie hates dogs. I want it to be temporary but I don’t know how long it will be for so I know it’s a lot to ask. The green cheeks must be temporary though.

 

[Laurasea]

This is sad! I'm sorry it's happening to you!! I'm full up. I hope you get someone to help!!!! I can't believe that can happen! Terrible!

 

[chris-md]

This is absolutely infuriating, from one LGBT to another I’m so sorry you’re going through this.

I have zero people connections in this state. However You might consider reaching out to a sanctuary in your state. I found this tnavianrescue.org as a starting point. They may be able to help you, either take them in temporarily, or be able to give you some much needed guidance. Keep the reasons why very limited - all they need to know is you’re being evicted (and nothing more) and need to arrange temporary housing. See if they are able to help.

 

[katiea]

This is absolutely infuriating, from one LGBT to another I’m so sorry you’re going through this.

I have zero people connections in this state. However You might consider reaching out to a sanctuary in your state. I found this tnavianrescue.org as a starting point. They may be able to help you, either take them in temporarily, or be able to give you some much needed guidance. Keep the reasons why very limited - all they need to know is you’re being evicted (and nothing more) and need to arrange temporary housing. See if they are able to help.

I emailed that rescue already and I'm waiting for an answer. I just don't think my birds would do well in a setting with a lot of birds so it's difficult. My tiels like flying randomly on everyone's cages which lots of birds would understandably hate, my lovebirds hate other birds, my green cheek hates screaming birds and my other green cheek gets easily overwhelmed & gets night frights with lots of movement/noise/etc

 

[ChristaNL]

This has me foaming at the mouth!

How the (insert colourfull swearing at this point) is anyone allowing another human being to be kicked out for being gay?
(or are they tired of your bird screaming and using this as a lousy excuse?)

https://www.unfe.org/system/unfe-6-..._and_Sexual_Orientation___Gender_Identity.pdf
are you on a different planet?
(as far as I know the USA signed this thing https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_at_the_United_Nations )

sorry- to go overboard and I know we are supposed to keep politics far, far away from this forum
(so If I get modded out: I understand!)
but we all love parrots and we don't want them kicked to the curb on any stupid pretense, right?

Couchsurfing with a complete avian familiy is not do-able or good for them.
I hope you find someone soon!
(I am sending positive thoughts / because I cant send anyone else to help)

 

[Kiwibird]

If I were you, at minimum I'd get in touch with a LGBT advocacy group to see if you can find a pro bono lawyer willing to take a look at what the hell is going on here. Not sure if any of these conditions apply to you and your situation but you may be protected by the federal fair housing act if certain criteria apply to your situation:
https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/LGBT_Housing_Discrimination

I unfortunately live nowhere near TN, but I do hope you can find someone who can help with your birds. It may be worth it if you haven't already to call around to anywhere that does boarding and explain your situation and see if anyone might be willing to board for free or at a reduced rate given the situation. You may also want to consider starting a gofundme campaign for money to apply to boarding fees until you find a more permanent residence. I just feel terrible to hear of this situation. I'm so sorry this is happening to you!

 

[SailBoat]

Your Avian Vet is always a good source as to the Bird 'groups' and individuals in your area that provide such services.

It is not unusual for there not to be specific local laws in this regard as the National Law covers the legal requirements, if this is the reason behind the 30 day notice. If your 30 day notice clearly states that you are being evicted for being gay. You have solid grounds to 'Stay the Eviction.'

Call or visit you City, Township, County, or State Law Enforcement for information on the local legal group /office(s) you need to contact.

Assure that you have the reason for the eviction, in writing! If you have a 'Notice To Quit' as provided in a Lease /Rent agreement with no reason stated; You will need to have your Landlord provide a reason for your eviction.

The Law is very clear in the United States and unless your Landlord is just plain stupid, they will state a factual reason for the eviction, commonly: End of the Lease /Rent Agreement, Lack of Payment, Noise, and/or other Infractions of the Agreement. If you have no Lease /Rent Agreement, you are 'Renting At Will' in which either you or the Landlord can end the agreement with a written 30 day notice.

 

[Kiwibird]

It is not unusual for there not to be specific local laws in this regard as the National Law covers the legal requirements, if this is the reason behind the 30 day notice. If your 30 day notice clearly states that you are being evicted for being gay. You have solid grounds to 'Stay the Eviction.'

Call or visit you City, Township, County, or State Law Enforcement for information on the local legal group /office(s) you need to contact.

Assure that you have the reason for the eviction, in writing! If you have a 'Notice To Quit' as provided in a Lease /Rent agreement with no reason stated; You will need to have your Landlord provide a reason for your eviction.

The Law is very clear in the United States and unless your Landlord is just plain stupid, they will state a factual reason for the eviction, commonly: End of the Lease /Rent Agreement, Lack of Payment, Noise, and/or other Infractions of the Agreement. If you have no Lease /Rent Agreement, you are 'Renting At Will' in which either you or the Landlord can end the agreement with a written 30 day notice.

This is a GREAT idea! Create a diversion (and a nice big headache for the landlord) by taking it to court.

We aren't the litigious types and thankfully didn't have to, but we were almost forced to go to court a few years ago when our rental was put on the market and sold out from under us with what we discovered was "insufficient notice" under our state and local laws. The actual lease didn't really matter because state law superseded what they wrote up in the lease contract. There are lots of loopholes in eviction laws that may not stop the eviction at the end of the day, but can certainly create a long, drawn out hold up in the court system that will give you the time you need to find a bird friendly rental.

Edit: One last thing I thought about- do you have any neighbors you get along well with? If so, would any be willing to write a short letter to a future potential landlord stating they lived next to you for x amount of time and never heard your birds being loud or disruptive? A landlord letter would hold more weight, but since that sounds implausible in your case, a couple kind neighbors may really be able to help with letters you can show to potential landlords stating your birds aren't a nuisance. We've done that several times over and it always works, even getting us into places birds are normally not allowed. Helps if you also write a letter describing what your birds mean to you, how well trained and quiet they are, how clean you keep them, that they were raised in an apartment setting etc... (be sure you're still being truthful!) and attaching a few super cute photos that makes someone connect them with being pets, like cuddling up to you or doing a cute trick etc... (a lot of people seem to think of birds as filthy pests for some reason). A little bit of time and effort goes a LONG way into convincing landlords to allow parrots in rentals.

 

[katiea]

This has me foaming at the mouth!

How the (insert colourfull swearing at this point) is anyone allowing another human being to be kicked out for being gay?
(or are they tired of your bird screaming and using this as a lousy excuse?)

https://www.unfe.org/system/unfe-6-..._and_Sexual_Orientation___Gender_Identity.pdf
are you on a different planet?
(as far as I know the USA signed this thing https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_at_the_United_Nations )

sorry- to go overboard and I know we are supposed to keep politics far, far away from this forum
(so If I get modded out: I understand!)
but we all love parrots and we don't want them kicked to the curb on any stupid pretense, right?

Couchsurfing with a complete avian familiy is not do-able or good for them.
I hope you find someone soon!
(I am sending positive thoughts / because I cant send anyone else to help)

My birds don't scream much. One of my green cheeks "screams" but a gcc scream is pretty quiet (at least his screams are). My landlord thought me (female) and my roommate (male) were a couple, he found out we're both gay and the next day, we get evicted. Never paid rent late, told him about all the pets, etc., etc.... he seemed very far from happy to find out we are both gay

 

[katiea]

If I were you, at minimum I'd get in touch with a LGBT advocacy group to see if you can find a pro bono lawyer willing to take a look at what the hell is going on here. Not sure if any of these conditions apply to you and your situation but you may be protected by the federal fair housing act if certain criteria apply to your situation:
https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/LGBT_Housing_Discrimination

I unfortunately live nowhere near TN, but I do hope you can find someone who can help with your birds. It may be worth it if you haven't already to call around to anywhere that does boarding and explain your situation and see if anyone might be willing to board for free or at a reduced rate given the situation. You may also want to consider starting a gofundme campaign for money to apply to boarding fees until you find a more permanent residence. I just feel terrible to hear of this situation. I'm so sorry this is happening to you!

It says, "The Fair Housing Act does not specifically include sexual orientation and gender identity as prohibited bases. However, discrimination against a lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) person may be covered by the Fair Housing Act if it is based on non-conformity with gender stereotypes. For example, if a housing provider refuses to rent to an LGBT person because he believes the person acts in a manner that does not conform to his notion of how a person of a particular sex should act, the person may pursue the matter as a violation of the Fair Housing Act’s prohibition of sex."
Saying this makes me cringe but I don't really "act gay" or "dress gay" or fill any stereotypes so I doubt it would apply to me. But I don't really want to pursue legal action, if he was illegally evicting me or something along those lines I would but I don't want to be one of those stories on the news and have my name/face plastered everywhere, & be used as an example of discrimination, I enjoy my privacy too much

 

[katiea]

Your Avian Vet is always a good source as to the Bird 'groups' and individuals in your area that provide such services.

It is not unusual for there not to be specific local laws in this regard as the National Law covers the legal requirements, if this is the reason behind the 30 day notice. If your 30 day notice clearly states that you are being evicted for being gay. You have solid grounds to 'Stay the Eviction.'

Call or visit you City, Township, County, or State Law Enforcement for information on the local legal group /office(s) you need to contact.

Assure that you have the reason for the eviction, in writing! If you have a 'Notice To Quit' as provided in a Lease /Rent agreement with no reason stated; You will need to have your Landlord provide a reason for your eviction.

The Law is very clear in the United States and unless your Landlord is just plain stupid, they will state a factual reason for the eviction, commonly: End of the Lease /Rent Agreement, Lack of Payment, Noise, and/or other Infractions of the Agreement. If you have no Lease /Rent Agreement, you are 'Renting At Will' in which either you or the Landlord can end the agreement with a written 30 day notice.

If my birds were with the boarder near me or the vet, they would be caged 24/7 or out for less than an hour every couple days.
I didn't know my landlord was homophobic and I don't want to give him my money so I don't want to stay. In a perfect world I would have more time to find a bird friendly place but whatever, I have been homeless with one of my birds for a period of time and I made things work then so I'm sure I'll figure something out

 

[Kiwibird]

It says, "The Fair Housing Act does not specifically include sexual orientation and gender identity as prohibited bases. However, discrimination against a lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) person may be covered by the Fair Housing Act if it is based on non-conformity with gender stereotypes. For example, if a housing provider refuses to rent to an LGBT person because he believes the person acts in a manner that does not conform to his notion of how a person of a particular sex should act, the person may pursue the matter as a violation of the Fair Housing Act’s prohibition of sex."
Saying this makes me cringe but I don't really "act gay" or "dress gay" or fill any stereotypes so I doubt it would apply to me. But I don't really want to pursue legal action, if he was illegally evicting me or something along those lines I would but I don't want to be one of those stories on the news and have my name/face plastered everywhere, & be used as an example of discrimination, I enjoy my privacy too much

I COMPLETELY understand not wanting the rabid media vultures grabbing hold of this (I wouldn't want that either I were in your position), though it is a valid option some people would choose to pursue.

I'm sorry this is happening and hope everything works out.

 

[katiea]

Here’s some pictures of one of the lovebirds, maxwell
https://drive.google.com/open?id=13QKMURmswdjUd203W9B5JK-GGfXlH1_z
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1FfKFUOG9o-7hUoiRX726MBhu9lycBTAW
& here’s galeo desperately trying to play with my hair lol
https://drive.google.com/open?id=18k9qGtHMBPMPqn4Xxn7TllST-_X6SAge
still looking for someone to help out! don’t need to be near me, I’m taking my reptiles to a rescue in Ohio (not 100% but probably) so I’m willing to drive most places. As long as I can make the drive in a day or 2 so I don’t need to take off from work

 

[GaleriaGila]

WONDERFUL information/insight/support above!

Hard to believe a landlord would try a move like this, in this day and age.

Best of luck to you and your flock.

 

[LeaKP]

Oh my I’m so sorry that this is happening!!!!!! I’m hoping the right solution is found ASAP with as little stress as possible.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[gracebowen]

I know Texas is far but I can foster all but the tiels.

 

[EllenD]

As a fellow LGBT, I can tell you that this is not at all legal, as Federal Law makes it totally and completely illegal...The problem isn't that it's not illegal, as it is. The problem is proving that the reason your landlord is evicting you is strictly because you are gay and they found out about it...What reason did your landlord give you for evicting you? I'm sure you came home one day and out of nowhere found an eviction-notice hanging on your door and stating the time that you had to get out, etc. But when you spoke to your landlord after getting the eviction-notice, what was the reason he gave you? If you can produce cancelled-checks or receipts showing that you've paid every month's rent in-full since you moved-in to the apartment/house, and you've been given no other "warnings" or issued no other written violations of your lease, etc., then you can certainly fight this...

And I'm not suggesting that you guys stay there long-term, however it's going to be extremely difficult to find a home/homes for all of your birds, especially a temporary home for the two Green Cheeks, as it's going to be open-ended, the people will have no idea how long the birds will be there, etc. So what I'm saying is that you should call a lawyer and at the very least have the lawyer file a "Wrongful-Eviction" suit in your local court. You don't necessarily have to go-through with the suit, you just need to file one in-order to halt the eviction. The court system is extremely slow, and a judge will have to automatically file an injunction blocking the eviction from being carried-out until you go through all of the hearings, etc., which you can keep waiving and asking for extensions/postponements, etc. until you either find a new place to rent that will allow you to keep your birds, or until you find a temporary home for all of them. Then you can drop the Wrongful-Eviction suit all-together. It won't cost you anything to go and speak to an attorney who specializes in housing/leasing laws, the consultation would be free, and he would be immediately able to tell you whether or not you have a valid Wrongful-Eviction suit or not, and how much it would cost you to simply have him "file" the suit, which will automatically stop the eviction and thus buy you some time...And honestly, as long as you've not done something that makes it legal for him to suddenly evict you, then you've got a case...However, if you've even paid one month late, or you've violated any of the terms of your lease at all, even a little tiny one like you put a nail in the wall when you weren't supposed to, then he's got you. Also, if your lease is up for renewal then he has the right to ask you to leave...But if it's an actual "Eviction" notice that you got, and he didn't give you a legal reason for the Eviction, then this is exactly what you need to do in order to literally buy yourself some time so that you aren't forced to give-up your birds.

The court system is there for a reason, and it's extremely slow. This is one of those emergent situations where you should take advantage of this and use it to buy some time...I hope you are able to find a place quickly, I wouldn't think that finding a place that allows birds would be too difficult, dogs yes, but birds that live in cages, and they're all small birds at that, shouldn't be too difficult...you might want to look at private rentals that are being rented "by-the-owner", like small houses or duplexes, as a private individual will be much more likely to allow you to keep your birds than a housing-complex owned by a company/real-estate agency will...

Good luck, I wish I was closer to you because I'd certainly help in any way I could. But I'm in central Pennsylvania and only have one close friend who lives in TN, in Knoxville, and he's not a bird or animal person at all anyway...

 

[Amsterdam]

Keep your head up hope everything ends well for you guys

 

[katiea]

As a fellow LGBT, I can tell you that this is not at all legal, as Federal Law makes it totally and completely illegal...The problem isn't that it's not illegal, as it is. The problem is proving that the reason your landlord is evicting you is strictly because you are gay and they found out about it...What reason did your landlord give you for evicting you? I'm sure you came home one day and out of nowhere found an eviction-notice hanging on your door and stating the time that you had to get out, etc. But when you spoke to your landlord after getting the eviction-notice, what was the reason he gave you? If you can produce cancelled-checks or receipts showing that you've paid every month's rent in-full since you moved-in to the apartment/house, and you've been given no other "warnings" or issued no other written violations of your lease, etc., then you can certainly fight this...

And I'm not suggesting that you guys stay there long-term, however it's going to be extremely difficult to find a home/homes for all of your birds, especially a temporary home for the two Green Cheeks, as it's going to be open-ended, the people will have no idea how long the birds will be there, etc. So what I'm saying is that you should call a lawyer and at the very least have the lawyer file a "Wrongful-Eviction" suit in your local court. You don't necessarily have to go-through with the suit, you just need to file one in-order to halt the eviction. The court system is extremely slow, and a judge will have to automatically file an injunction blocking the eviction from being carried-out until you go through all of the hearings, etc., which you can keep waiving and asking for extensions/postponements, etc. until you either find a new place to rent that will allow you to keep your birds, or until you find a temporary home for all of them. Then you can drop the Wrongful-Eviction suit all-together. It won't cost you anything to go and speak to an attorney who specializes in housing/leasing laws, the consultation would be free, and he would be immediately able to tell you whether or not you have a valid Wrongful-Eviction suit or not, and how much it would cost you to simply have him "file" the suit, which will automatically stop the eviction and thus buy you some time...And honestly, as long as you've not done something that makes it legal for him to suddenly evict you, then you've got a case...However, if you've even paid one month late, or you've violated any of the terms of your lease at all, even a little tiny one like you put a nail in the wall when you weren't supposed to, then he's got you. Also, if your lease is up for renewal then he has the right to ask you to leave...But if it's an actual "Eviction" notice that you got, and he didn't give you a legal reason for the Eviction, then this is exactly what you need to do in order to literally buy yourself some time so that you aren't forced to give-up your birds.

The court system is there for a reason, and it's extremely slow. This is one of those emergent situations where you should take advantage of this and use it to buy some time...I hope you are able to find a place quickly, I wouldn't think that finding a place that allows birds would be too difficult, dogs yes, but birds that live in cages, and they're all small birds at that, shouldn't be too difficult...you might want to look at private rentals that are being rented "by-the-owner", like small houses or duplexes, as a private individual will be much more likely to allow you to keep your birds than a housing-complex owned by a company/real-estate agency will...

Good luck, I wish I was closer to you because I'd certainly help in any way I could. But I'm in central Pennsylvania and only have one close friend who lives in TN, in Knoxville, and he's not a bird or animal person at all anyway...

It is legal- https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/LGBT_Housing_Discrimination
Movement Advancement Project | Non-Discrimination Laws
I really dont want to get caught up in a legal battle or keep giving my money to a homophobe. One apartment I'm looking at allows birds, not as many as I have but I could take the conures with me.

 

[LaManuka]

Great! Maybe if you are able to build a positive relationship with the new landlord they may allow you to bring the others later. Cannot believe this is happening to you in this day and age. Good luck!