Sunday, November 27, 2016

Another Landlord Gets Clipped By Fair Housing Cops; Admits No Wrongdoing, But Coughs Up $7K To Settle Allegations That Disabled Tenant With Medically Documented Need for Companion Animal Was Illegally Charged $200 Pet Deposit Fee & $25 Monthly Surcharge To Have The Animal

In Jackson Township, Ohio, The Canton Repository reports;
  • The Stark County Fair Housing Department announced a $7,000 settlement agreement with an apartment owner over a tenant's disability discrimination complaint.

    According to a news release, the agency had filed a complaint with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission in November 2015, alleging discrimination by operators of Foxhaven Apartments.

    The Fair Housing Department said a disabled tenant -- who provided medical documentation of a need for a companion animal -- was illegally charged a $200 pet deposit fee and a monthly $25 surcharge to have the animal. In addition, it was alleged to have taken four months for a disability parking sign to be relocated after he'd moved into a larger unit in the complex.

    In June, the Civil Rights Commission found Foxhaven had likely violated fair housing laws that deal with discrimination, according to the release. Last month, the parties entered into a conciliation agreement, which includes a $7,000 payment; for Foxhaven staff attend fair housing training; and to prominently display the phrase "equal housing provider" in its ads.

    Foxhaven admitted no wrongdoing.
Source: Jackson apartment complex settles discrimination complaint (A disabled tenant, who required a companion animal, was unfairly charged an extra deposit and monthly fee by his landlord).