[blindlaw] Housing Discrimination

[David Andrews]

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Department of Justice

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

D.C. Property Owner, Managing Agent Agree to Pay $45,000 as Part of
Settlement of Justice Department Housing Discrimination Lawsuit


WASHINGTON, D.C.-The Justice Department today announced a settlement
agreement with the owner and managing agent of the Sulgrave Manor
Apartments in Washington, D.C., resolving a lawsuit filed by the Justice
Department alleging discrimination against persons with disabilities.
According to the complaint, which was filed in the U.S. District Court
for the District of Columbia, the defendants refused to rent an
apartment to a visually-impaired man who used a guide dog.

"Persons who use service animals should not be refused an equal
opportunity to find housing. Landlords must understand that they have a
responsibility to make reasonable accommodations for persons with
disabilities," said Wan J. Kim, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil
Rights Division. "The federal government is vigilant about preventing
discrimination against people with disabilities."

The Department conducted its investigation through the use of
fair-housing testers-individuals who pose as renters for purposes of
gathering information about possible discriminatory practices in the
rental of apartments.

Under the agreement, the defendants will pay $25,000 to compensate
victims of discrimination at Sulgrave Manor, pay a $20,000 civil penalty
to the United States government, establish and follow non-discriminatory
tenancy procedures, and undergo fair housing training. The agreement
remains subject to court approval.

Through the President's New Freedom Initiative, the Civil Rights
Division is committed to providing greater access for Americans with
disabilities. Since January 2001, the Division has filed 193 Fair
Housing Act cases, including 93 based on disability.

Individuals who believe that they may have been the victim of housing
discrimination at the Sulgrave Manor Apartments should call the Justice
Department's Housing and Civil Enforcement Section at 1-800-896-7743.
Anyone wishing to report other unlawful housing discrimination should
also contact the Department of Justice or the Department of Housing and
Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777. More information about reasonable
accommodations under the Fair Housing Act is available at
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/housing/jointstatement_ra.htm.

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David Andrews and white cane Harry.