A Black California couple has filed a housing discrimination lawsuit stating that an appraiser low-balled their valuation because of their race. 

Paul and Tenisha Tate Austin say that their home’s first appraisal estimated the cost of the home to be $995,000. However, upon a second appraisal, the house jumped to $1.48 million. This occurred when the pair removed anything from the house like artwork and photos that would show that Black people live there. 

The pair also decided to enlist the help of their white friends to assist with the ruse by bringing over pictures of themselves to place in the house and pose as the couple, according to San Francisco ABC affiliate KGO. 

According to a report in Complex, the Austins are now suing appraiser Janette Miller and her company Miller and Perotti Real Estate Appraisals.  

The filing cites the federal Fair Housing Act, saying this was a violation by the appraiser based on the couple’s race. The two are requesting compensation of financial damages and that the court order the appraiser to not discriminate based on race. They also requested a trial by jury. 

The couple purchased their home in 2016 for $550,000 and have since made $400,000 in renovations, including new flooring, a fireplace, new appliances and a deck. 

Their complaint pointed out the historical inclination for stereotyping and redlining in Marin County, and the couple believes that “the white lady wanted to devalue” their home because it was in a Black neighborhood and owned by a Black family.