Cases and Settlements

'Students Only' Rentals Nixed in Chicago-Area Community

February 21, 2012    

A company that owns and operates multifamily rental housing in Evanston, Ill., has backed away from plans to limit occupancy in one of its buildings to only Northwestern University students, according to the Interfaith Housing Center of the Northern Suburbs, an advocacy group that filed a...

Judge for Yourself: Resident with Mobility Impairment Sues Community

February 6, 2012    

A resident in a senior living community had multiple sclerosis and used an electric wheelchair. The community claimed that, throughout her tenancy, she routinely operated the wheelchair at excessive speeds and without adequate control. Allegedly, she damaged the walls and front door to her unit...

Don't Violate the Housing Rights of Military Families

January 24, 2012    

Three Southern California communities recently resolved allegations that they violated the rights of military families under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), according to a joint statement by the United States Attorney’s Office and the Camp Pendleton Joint Legal Assistance...

Landlord Accused of 'Severe, Pervasive' Sexual Harassment

January 23, 2012    

Last month, the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center (GNOFHAC) filed suit against a New Orleans landlord for discrimination on the basis of sex, including severe, pervasive, and unwelcome sexual harassment; battery; and assault.

Under the federal Fair Housing Act, it’s...

Georgia Landlord, Rental Agent Discriminated Against Interracial Couple

December 15, 2011    

Earlier this month, a state court judge ruled that a Georgia rental property owner and a rental agent violated state fair housing law by refusing to rent to an interracial couple, according to an announcement by Attorney General Sam Olens.

Kentucky Community Settles Claims of Disability-Based Discrimination

December 14, 2011    

In early December, the owners, developers, architect, and civil engineers of a 276-unit rental community in Louisville, Ky., settled a lawsuit in which those involved in the design and construction of the complex were accused of discriminating against people with disabilities, according to the...

Fla. Complex Accused of Discriminating Against Domestic Violence Survivor

November 17, 2011    

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) recently filed a federal fair housing complaint, alleging that a Florida apartment complex and property management company refused to rent to a survivor of domestic violence. The complaint, filed with HUD, accuses the community of housing discrimination...

New York Owner to Pay $22,500 Penalty to Settle Housing Discrimination Case

October 24, 2011    

Earlier this month, the owner, management company, and rental agent of a 444-unit community in Glenville, N.Y., agreed to pay a $22,500 penalty to resolve allegations of discrimination against families with children and African Americans, according to an announcement by New York Attorney General...

Kentucky Community to Pay Up to $42K to Fix Alleged Design Flaws

October 22, 2011    

The Kentucky Commission on Human Rights Board of Commissioners recently announced a $42,000 conciliation agreement resulting from a disability discrimination complaint in violation of federal and state law. The complaint was made by the Lexington Fair Housing Council, which claimed that a...

Iowa Community to Pay $95K to Settle Sexual Harrassment Case

September 24, 2011    

Last week, the former owner and managers of an 84-unit community in Iowa agreed to a $95,000 settlement to resolve allegations of sexual harassment in violation of the Fair Housing Act, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).

New Orleans Landlords Agree to $70K Settlement in Race Discrimination Lawsuit

September 21, 2011    

Late last month, the owners of a New Orleans 16-unit community agreed to pay $70,000 to settle allegations that they unlawfully denied housing to African-American prospective renters in violation of the federal Fair Housing Act.

Arizona AG Announces Record Fair Housing Settlement

August 23, 2011    

The owners and managers of an Arizona community recently agreed to pay $227,500 to resolve allegations of discrimination against an Egyptian couple based on race, national origin, and religion under the Arizona Fair Housing Act. In announcing the settlement, Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne...