Office of the Attorney General - Massachusetts - Press Release - Rental Discrimination
This shoud serve as a reminder to all real estate agents, leasing agents, FSBO owners and landlords that the state and federal fair housing laws have "teeth" and there are people anonymously "tagging" landlords and their agents for violations. This sort of discrimination happens often. I'm glad to see that our Attorney General is planning to address the issue.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Office of the Attorney General - - Press Release - Rental Discrimination
Office of the Attorney General - - Press Release
Posted using ShareThis - 10/15/2009
Attorney GeneralMartha Coakley Sues Melrose landlords for Housing Discrimination
WOBURN - Today, Attorney General Martha Coakley's Office filed a housing discrimination complaint against Carl and Karen Fontana, the owners of a two-bedroom rental property in Melrose. The complaint, filed in Middlesex Superior Court, alleges that the Fontanas violated state antidiscrimination laws by refusing to rent to recipients of housing subsidies.
"We are facing critical housing needs in the Commonwealth and the strain on those needing rental or transitional housing assistance is particularly great," said Attorney General Coakley.
"Realtors, brokers and landlords inMassachusetts should understand that discrimination against those who hold housing assistance subsidies is illegal and we will seek to hold accountable those who break the law."
According to the complaint, the Fontanas refused to rent the Melrose property to a prospective tenant who held aSection 8 federal housing subsidy and her six-year-old daughter. The complaint further alleges that defendant Karen Fontana told the prospective tenant that she did not want to deal with the Section 8 program. Under Massachusetts law, it is illegal to discriminate against housing applicants because they receive public assistance.
The Attorney General's Office is seeking an order prohibiting the Fontanas from engaging in housing discrimination, damages, and attorneys' fees and costs.
This matter is being handled by Assistant Attorney General Gabrielle Viator of Attorney General Coakley'sCivil Rights Division.
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