City of Anoka to Pay $175,000 for Discriminating Against Tenants with Mental Health Disabilities

The City of Anoka, Minnesota, has agreed to pay a total of $175,000 to compensate individuals harmed by its ‘crime-free’ housing program, which allegedly discriminated against tenants with mental health disabilities.

According to a complaint filed by the Justice Department, the city’s rental licensing and ‘crime-free’ housing ordinance penalized landlords for ‘nuisance calls’ to their properties, including disorderly conduct and ‘unfounded’ calls to the police. The department found that because of the ordinance, when tenants with mental health disabilities and those associated with them requested or received emergency assistance, they risked eviction, fines, or loss of a rental license.

‘So-called ‘crime-free’ ordinances are often fueled by discriminatory objectives, and have the effect of destabilizing communities and promoting fear intended to drive people from their homes,’ said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke. ‘Anoka’s so-called ‘crime-free’ housing program does not protect public safety but rather risks lives by discouraging people with disabilities and their loved ones from calling for help when needed most.’

The proposed consent decree resolves the department’s allegations that the city, through its ‘crime-free’ housing program, discouraged and prevented tenants with mental health disabilities and those associated with them from seeking emergency assistance, including during medical or mental health crises.

Under the proposed consent decree, the city has agreed to adopt non-discrimination policies and complaint procedures, notify landlords, property owners, and tenants of changes to the program, designate an ADA coordinator, train staff, and provide reports to the department during a monitoring period.

Individuals who believe they were harmed by the city’s ‘crime-free’ housing program may be entitled to compensation under the settlement fund and should contact the Justice Department at Anoka@usdoj.gov or by calling the toll-free number 888-473-3940.

This is not the first time the Justice Department has taken action against ‘crime-free’ housing programs that have been found to discriminate against individuals with disabilities. In late 2022, the department settled a lawsuit against the City of Hesperia, California, and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department alleging that their implementation of a ‘crime-free’ program and ordinance discriminated on the basis of race and national origin in violation of the Fair Housing Act and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Defendant: City of Anoka, Minnesota

Criminal Charges: Disability Discrimination

City and State: Anoka, Minnesota

Exact Date: Not specified

Sentence or Outcome: $175,000 settlement

Dollar Amounts: $175,000

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