Landlord in Trouble After Challenging Applicant to Report Discrimination

by | May 30, 2011 | Tenant Screening

Receptionist Also Charged for Conveying Discriminatory Message

After advertising one of his three residential units for rent, a New Hampshire chiropractor ordered his receptionist to tell applicants that he would not allow children. When one mother protested, the man allegedly dared her to turn him in.

She did.

The receptionist is also charged with violating the Fair Housing Act by following the order from her boss to deny the apartment to families with children.

“For more than two decades, the Fair Housing Act has made it illegal to discriminate against families with children,” said John Trasvina, HUD Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “Yet, some housing providers believe they can turn away families with children with impunity. In carrying out its legal responsibilities, HUD makes clear: If you engage in discrimination, expect HUD to enforce the law.”

If convicted, the landlord likely will be ordered to pay an award to the mother, attorneys fees to the government and other fines. If the case ends up in federal court, punitive damages could also be applied. In addition, the judge has the power to order the landlord to hire a property manager or undergo training courses in discrimination. The receptionist faces a similar outcome.

This post is provided by Tenant Verification Service, Inc., helping landlords reduce the risks of renting with fraud prevention tools that include Tenant Screening, Tenant Background Checks, (U.S. and Canada), as well as Criminal Background Checks, and Eviction Reports (U.S. only).

Click Here to Receive Landlord Credit Reports.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post in not intended to be construed as legal advice, nor should it be considered a substitute for obtaining individual legal counsel or consulting your local, state, federal or provincial tenancy laws.

 

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