Real Estate Group to Pay $12K for Alleged Discrimination Against Refugees

HUD recently announced that it reached a settlement with a Pennsylvania community for allegedly discriminating against Burmese refugee families because of their national origin.

According to HUD, three Burmese families were notified by the company that their leases were not being renewed because of alleged lease violations. HUD said its investigation showed that only the Burmese tenants received lease nonrenewal letters, even though the company had similar concerns about other tenants. Allegedly, housing staff at the company told Lutheran Children and Family Services representatives and HUD investigators that the company would no longer rent to refugees. The company denied the allegations.

Under the terms of the agreement, the company agreed to donate $12,000 to Lutheran Refugee Services, provide fair housing training for all its employees, and include the phrase “Equal Housing Opportunity” or the fair housing logo in all newspaper and other rental advertisements.

“America’s protection of refugees fleeing persecution from abroad includes ensuring protection against housing discrimination here,” John Trasviña, HUD’s Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, said in a statement. “HUD will continue to take action against housing providers that unlawfully deny housing to families because of their national origin.”

Source: HUD