WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 8, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced today that the owner and management company of a Kansas City, Missouri apartment complex will pay $20,000 to resolve allegations they illegally refused to grant a tenant with disabilities’ request to have a live-in caretaker.
The Fair Housing Act requires housing providers to make reasonable accommodations in their rules, policies, practices or services when needed to provide persons with disabilities an equal opportunity to use or enjoy a dwelling.
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“When it comes to residents with disabilities, the rigid application of the same rules you apply to others can result in the denial of housing opportunities,” said Bryan Greene, Acting Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “For over 25 years, federal law has required that housing providers make reasonable exceptions to rules or policies if they are necessary for a person with a disability to receive the same housing benefit others enjoy. HUD will continue to bring these cases to obtain relief for people and to educate the public about these rights and responsibilities.”
The Consent Order resolves a charge of discrimination that HUD filed in last September alleging that Brentwood Manor Apartments, L.P.; its management company, CE Real Estate Services, Inc.; and several affiliated management entities, violated the Fair Housing Act by refusing to waive a policy requiring that the tenant live in her apartment for six months before she could add someone to the lease.
HUD brought the charge following its investigation of a complaint filed with the Department by a woman who, due to her disability, needed someone to live with her to assist with her care before the requisite six-month period elapsed. The woman told the apartment management company that her sister was willing to move into the apartment and provide the necessary care. The woman’s doctor documented her need for the accommodation, but the management company denied her request. HUD further alleged that the woman was forced to vacate her apartment and move to different housing out of state because of the management company’s refusal to grant her request.
Under the terms of the Initial Decision and Consent Order, the owner and management company will pay the woman $20,000, adopt and implement a reasonable accommodation policy, and provide fair housing training for all employees that interact with tenants.
Persons who believe they have experienced discrimination may file a complaint by contacting HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at (800) 669-9777 (voice) or (800) 927-9275 (TTY). Housing discrimination complaints may also be filed at www.hud.gov/fairhousing or by downloading HUD’s free housing discrimination mobile application, which can be accessed through Apple devices, such as the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.
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HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all.
HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the
need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build
inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business.
More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and
http://espanol.hud.gov. You can also follow HUD on twitter @HUDGov, on facebook at
www.facebook.com/HUD, or sign up for news alerts on HUD’s Email List.
Contact:
Shantae Goodloe
(202) 708-0685