HUD APPROVES AGREEMENTS INVOLVING ARKANSAS HOUSING PROVIDERS ACCUSED OF HOUSING DISCRIMINATION

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today announced it has approved three Conciliation Agreements with the owners and property management company of Springdale Ridge Apartments in Springdale, Arkansas, resolving allegations that they discriminated against several residents because of their national origin and retaliated against an employee living on site who sought to inform the residents of their fair housing rights. Read the agreements.

The Fair Housing Act prohibits housing providers from discriminating against tenants because of their national origin. It also prohibits retaliation against those who exercise their rights under the Act, or who help others to do so.

"Having a place to call home shouldn’t depend on where you come from," said Anna María Farías, HUD's Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. "HUD remains committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their national origin, has equal access to housing and that housing providers meet their obligations under federal civil rights laws.”

Under the terms of the Conciliation Agreements, Canyon View will pay the former residents a total of $51,000, revise and distribute their non-discrimination policy, and market housing opportunities to immigrant communities in Springdale, Arkansas, and attend fair housing training.

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and familial status. 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 .