Landlord Pays a Price

Discrimination is a serious offence and the Justice Department of the United States will investigate allegations and file suit against those that ignore the law. As reported by Shay Randle of the TheAdvertiser.com on October 1, 2008, the Federal Housing Administration  had charged a landlord for refusing to consider applicants with children for tenancy. The Landlord settled with the FHA to pay 115,000 in damages to the victims of discrimination and 30,000 in penalties to the United States. The case stems from incidents where the property owner and manager refused to rent second floor units to residents with children and generally discouraged tenants with children from applying at the complex. They even told prospective tenants that units were not available for viewing, rental or sale when indeed they were.

Cases of discrimination within housing sectors had become more apparent since hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana. In an effort to control the problem, a program called “Operation Home Sweet Home” began in 2006. The intent of the initiative was to fight housing discrimination across the country. Investigators pose as tenants in order to gather information on the practices of landlords and property managers. Those that violate the civil rights of citizens through discrimination are pursued aggressively by the Justice Department.

 

Perhaps the owners of buildings are trying to control the resident population in order to create an adult lifestyle community or perhaps they have had previous experiences with noise or damage issues from some families. It may seem easier to just deny rentals to families rather than to collect adequate security deposits or enforce noise policies. It may even appear cheaper than installing noise protection products between upper and lower units. But after being hit with a 145,000 bill not to mention legal fees incurred during the lawsuit, I think that most would agree that it is smarter to invest in the building and to adhere to civil rights policies.