Arizona's top legal officer, Attorney General Kris Mayes, has taken action to address a pressing issue of housing discrimination, filing a lawsuit against Frame Properties Limited Partnership. According to a complaint filed by the state, and detailed in an announcement by the Attorney General's office, Frame allegedly violated the Arizona Fair Housing Act by denying a reasonable accommodation to a disabled tenant relying on Social Security Disability Insurance to pay rent.
As reported, the unnamed tenant, struggling with the timing of her Social Security payments, requested a modification in Frame's rent collection policy. The adaptation would have allowed her to pay her rent by the third of the month without incurring penalties, accommodating her income's delayed arrival. However, Frame is alleged to have denied the adjustment unless the tenant paid an extra fee, setting the stage for the state's legal intervention. In the realm of civil rights and fair housing, such barriers, Attorney General Mayes contends, cannot stand uncontested.
"Housing providers in Arizona have a legal obligation to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities, without charging them discriminatory fees," Mayes stated, emphasizing the non-negotiable nature of compliance with housing law. The press release from Mayes' office further clarifies this, referring to guidance from both HUD and the Department of Justice that specifies landlords may not impose additional costs on disabled tenants as a condition for granting reasonable accommodations.
Furthermore, the lawsuit underscores a crucial point: when Social Security serves as a lifeline, the timing of its disbursement is an issue often out of a tenant's control. After all, justice and compliance are not mere courtesies to be extended or withheld at a landlord's discretion. The Arizona Fair Housing Act mandates them. To those landlords and housing providers uncertain about their obligations, Mayes' legal pursuit serves as a stark reminder. And for those who believe they've faced similar discrimination, the Attorney General's office encourages them to come forward.
Anyone in Arizona confronting unlawful discrimination in housing or other civil rights violations can reach out to the Civil Rights Division of the Attorney General’s Office. Contact information is available through a phone call at (602) 542-5263 or by submitting an inquiry at www.azag.gov/complaints/civil-rights. As the battle for fair housing continues, this lawsuit represents another critical step towards ensuring equitable treatment for all Arizona tenants.
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