HUD FINDS MISSOURI HOUSING PROVIDER LIABLE FOR DISCRIMINATING AGAINST FAMILY WITH CHILDREN

WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that F. P. King Estate of Ward Protectee (Estate), owner of rental housing in St. Charles, Missouri, and Eric Felder, its property manager, will pay $10,200 in damages and a $5,500 civil penalty after HUD’s Secretary affirmed an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) finding that they discriminated against a single father and his children due to familial status. Read the Order.

The Fair Housing Act makes it unlawful to discriminate in housing because of disability, race, national origin, color, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), or familial status. This includes denying housing to families because they have minor children and making discriminatory statements.

"No individual or family should be denied the right to housing because they have children," said Demetria L. McCain, HUD’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. "This Order underscores HUD's commitment to taking appropriate action when the nation's fair housing laws are violated."

HUD filed a charge of discrimination on behalf of the family alleging that Felder and the Estate violated the Fair Housing Act. After a trial, the ALJ found that the landlords denied the family a unit because of the presence of young children in the household and made discriminatory statements. The ALJ ordered the landlords to pay the family $10,200 for alternative housing costs and emotional distress and pay civil penalties totaling $5,500.  HUD’s Secretary affirmed the ALJ’s decision.

"The Fair Housing Act prohibits housing providers from denying housing to applicants because they have young children,” said Damon Smith, HUD's General Counsel. "The Department will act to protect families’ rights and seek compensation for their losses.”

Individuals who believe they have experienced discrimination in housing may file a complaint by contacting HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at (800) 669-9777 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (Federal Relay Service).