HUD CHARGES WYOMING PROPERTY OWNER AND MANAGEMENT COMPANY WITH DISCRIMINATING AGAINST FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced today that it charged Prairie View, LLC, the owner of Prairie View Apartments, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, its management company, RAM Partners, LLC, and the on-site community manager with violating the Fair Housing Act by imposing overly restrictive policies on families with children. Read HUD's charge.

The Fair Housing Act prohibits housing discrimination on the basis of familial status, including setting restrictive terms and conditions on tenants with children under the age of 18.

“Restrictive rental policies that target children are not only unlawful, they deny families the opportunity to fully enjoy the place they call home,” said Anna María Farías Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. "HUD will continue to take action when housing providers fail to comply with the requirements of the Fair Housing Act.”

“The Fair Housing Act generally requires that all residents have equal access to housing amenities regardless of their familial status,” said HUD Principal Deputy General Counsel Michael B. Williams. “This case demonstrates HUD’s continuing commitment to ensuring that housing providers properly recognize the housing rights of families with children.”

HUD's charge will be heard by a United States Administrative Law Judge unless any party to the charge elects to have the case heard in federal district court. If an administrative law judge finds after a hearing that discrimination has occurred, he or she may award damages to the family 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. If the matter is decided in federal court, the judge may also award punitive damages.

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.