HUD APPROVES AGREEMENT BETWEEN MASSACHUSETTS HOUSING PROVIDER AND PROSPECTIVE TENANT WITH CHILD SETTLING CLAIMS OF DISCRIMINATION

摘要

HUD has approved a Conciliation Agreement between the owner of rental properties in Springfield, MA, and a prospective tenant, resolving allegations that the owner refused to rent available units to the woman after learning that she has a child under the age of six. It is unlawful under the Fair Housing Act to discriminate against families with children under the age of 18. Housing providers may exclude children only if the housing meets the Fair Housing Act's exemption for housing for older persons. A woman who has a child filed a complaint with HUD alleging that the owner of rental units she sought to lease refused to rent to her because her child is under the age of six. Massachusetts law requires landlords to de-lead any unit in which a child under six lives. Under the terms of the agreement, the owner will pay the woman $15,000, undergo fair housing training, include language in all future rental advertisements indicating that he complies with all federal and state fair housing laws, and test and de-lead his properties as necessary.