In Appleton, Wisconsin, a settlement was reached in a housing discrimination case. Property owners Tammy Estrada and Ramiro Estrada were accused of violating the Fair Housing Act by denying requests for emotional support animals and retaliating against tenants who made such requests, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The tenants will receive $20,000 from the Estradas as part of the settlement. The Estradas must also implement a reasonable accommodation policy and complete fair housing training. The case began with a Department of Housing and Urban Development investigation that found discrimination and was referred to the DOJ. The legal actions started from a complaint filed on November 19, 2024, citing multiple violations in the Estradas' property management, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nia Schmaltz handled a Fair Housing Act case, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or familial status. The settlement includes financial penalties and requires changes to the landlord’s policies to comply with the law, as stated by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
