Group sees racism in upkeep of foreclosed properties

A national housing group on Tuesday alleged racism mars the way Deutsche Bank maintains vacant, foreclosed properties, saying it allows those homes in black and Latino communities to deteriorate while keeping them well-maintained in white communities. The complaint says the evidence was glaring in its investigation of some 130 properties in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Memphis. Foreclosed homes in black and Latino neighborhoods were characterized by trash strewn across the properties, broken windows or doors, overgrown lawns, mold and water damage, and other problems, while homes in white communities were immaculately maintained, the National Fair Housing Alliance said. In a statement to Reuters, Deutsche Bank denied engaging in activities alleged in the complaint, saying loan servicing companies are solely responsible. — Maudlyne Ihejirika