HUD CHARGES GEORGIA HOUSING PROVIDERS WITH DISCRIMINATING AGAINST TENANT WITH DISABILITIES

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced today that it has charged Tzadik Georgia Portfolio, LLC, and Tzadik Management Group, LLC, housing providers operating in Albany, Georgia, with discrimination for allegedly refusing to grant the reasonable accommodation request of a tenant with disabilities who lived in one of their properties. Read HUD’s Charge.

The Fair Housing Act prohibits housing providers from denying or limiting housing to people with disabilities, or from refusing to make reasonable accommodations so that those with disabilities can reasonably use and enjoy their housing.

“Granting a reasonable accommodation isn’t giving someone with disabilities special treatment,” said Anna María Farías, HUD Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “These accommodations make it easier for them to fully enjoy their homes. More importantly, persons with disabilities have a right to such accommodations, a right that’s protected by law.”

“HUD is committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities are protected under the Fair Housing Act," said Michael Williams, HUD’s Principal Deputy General Counsel. “Providing reasonable accommodations is an essential part of a housing provider’s legal obligation to make housing available to persons with disabilities.”

HUD's charge will be heard by a United States Administrative Law Judge. If the administrative law judge finds after a hearing that discrimination has occurred, he or she may award damages to the complainant for harm caused by the discrimination. The judge may also order injunctive relief and other equitable relief, as well as payment of attorney’s fees. In addition, the judge may impose fines to vindicate the public interest.

Persons who believe they have experienced housing discrimination may file a complaint of discrimination by contacting HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at (800) 669-9777 or visiting How to File a Complaint on HUD’s website. Materials and assistance are available for persons with limited English proficiency. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may contact the Department using the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339 .