HUD News
HUD To Charge Property Owner and Apartment Complex Owner With Retaliation
HUD has charged a property owner for committing discrimination against a tenant and compelling him to leave the unit.
Skitterphoto/Pexels
Washington- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has charged a property manager and apartment complex owner in Livingston, Montana, with retaliation against a tenant for exercising their fair housing rights. The alleged retaliatory actions, which include coercion, intimidation, threats, or interference, violate Section 818 of the Fair Housing Act.
The Fair Housing Act (FHA) prohibits threatening, coercing, intimidating, and interfering with someone’s exercise of those rights.
HUD’s Assistant Deputy Secretary Demetria L. McCain said, “The abhorrent conduct alleged in this case violates the Fair Housing Act. Tenants should not live in fear of retaliation or any kind of discrimination protected by the Act. Today’s action sends a clear message that HUD will hold housing providers accountable when they violate the law.”
HUD’s charge of discrimination alleges that the property manager retaliated against a tenant after the tenant informed the property manager that his unwanted conduct towards his daughter was inappropriate. The property manager took several retaliatory actions such as sending multiple threats of eviction, sending harassing text messages, and revoking tenancy privileges after the tenant confronted the property manager. The tenant left the unit to seek out another alternative because of retaliation.
HUD’s General Counsel Damon Smith said, “The deplorable conduct alleged in this case constitutes retaliation that violates the Fair Housing Act. HUD is steadfastly committed to protecting the rights of tenants to be free from such retaliation by landlords.”
HUD’s charge of retaliation will be heard by the United States Administrative Judge unless any party chooses to get the case heard in federal court. If the judge finds out that the charges are true and discrimination has occurred, the judge may award damages to the tenant. Besides this, the judge can also order injunctive relief to prevent further discrimination. Civil penalties can also be imposed to vindicate public interest.
The ones who feel have been the victims of housing discrimination can reach out to HUD.
Article Sources
The content provided in this article draws inspiration and includes quotes from various reputable sources, including news articles, government data, and interviews. Affordable Housing 411 strives to ensure accuracy and credibility, but the information presented may be based on some external sources. We encourage readers to refer to the referenced materials for more in-depth insights and verification.
Department of Housing and Urban Development. “HUD Charges Montana Property Manager and Apartment Complex Owner with Retaliation”. Department of Housing and Urban Development, January 23, 2024,
HUD Charges Montana Property Manager and Apartment Complex Owner with Retaliation | HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Share
<
