The Justice Department hammered out a settlement with three Florida-based housing corporations after they were accused of discriminating against families with children, a violation of the Fair Housing Act, officials disclosed.
Three Hallandale Beach coops, locked in the crosshairs of a federal lawsuit, allegedly enforced a rule barring children under 12 since 2015, according to U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida. The properties in question include the Monticello, Georgetown, and Williamsburg buildings, situated on Hallandale Beach's Isle of Paradise.
In a statement obtained by the Justice Department, Lapointe emphasized the settlement underscored a commitment to the "promise of fair housing for all," as originally set forth by the Fair Housing Act. As part of the resolutions, the companies will cough up $52,000 in fines and compensation, with $39,000 earmarked for the individuals allegedly harmed by these policies.
"The Fair Housing Act outlaws familial status discrimination, including discrimination against families with children," Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke explained in a recent statement. The involved companies are also on the hook for fair housing training and will submit regular reports to the Justice Department to ensure an compliance.
The Department's probe was triggered after a would-be renter and her real estate agent alleged they were turned away from the Monticello because she had a young son. The allegations were partly supported by the Fair Housing Testing Unit, which uses undercover testers to reveal possible discriminatory behavior.
Those who think they’ve faced similar discrimination at these properties can reach out to the Justice Department through various provided channels, including email and a dedicated tip line. Meanwhile, the federal lawsuit has prompted the housing corporations to rethink policies, possibly setting a precedent against similar actions by others in the housing market.
