HUD APPROVES SETTLEMENT INVOLVING CONNECTICUT APARTMENT OWNERS ACCUSED OF DISCRIMINATING AGAINST FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced today that it has approved a Conciliation Agreement between the owners of Lagasse Apartment Rentals in Waterbury, Connecticut, and a prospective applicant, settling claims that the owners allegedly refused to rent to the woman because she has a child. Read the agreement.

The Fair Housing Act prohibits housing providers from denying or limiting housing to families with children under age 18, including refusing to negotiate and making discriminatory statements based on familial status.

"Obtaining a place to call home is one of life’s fundamental necessities and shouldn’t depend on whether or not you have children,” said Anna María Farías, HUD's Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. "HUD will continue to work with housing providers to ensure they meet their obligation to comply with the nation’s housing laws."

People who believe they have experienced discrimination may file a complaint by contacting HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at (800) 669-9777 (voice) or (800) 927-9275 (TTY). Housing discrimination complaints may also be filed by going to hud.gov/fairhousing.