Related Federal Cases
Familial Status Discrimination at Royal Arms Apartments Exposed
WASHINGTON – In a disturbing case of housing discrimination, the Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Testa Family Enterprises Ltd. LLC, the owner of Royal Arms Apartments, a 26-unit apartment building in Ravenna, Ohio, for violating the Fair Housing Act by discriminating on the basis of familial status in the rental of apartments.
The 26-unit apartment complex, managed by Christine Testa, allegedly refused to rent the above-ground-level units to families with young children. This egregious act of discrimination is a clear violation of the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, and disability.
A mother of a four-year-old child and a 10-month-old child was allegedly refused an apartment at Royal Arms, prompting a complaint to the Fair Housing Advocates Association (FHAA) in Akron, Ohio. Testing conducted by the FHAA corroborated the complaint, and the individual and the FHAA filed complaints with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). After an investigation, the Secretary of HUD determined that there was reasonable cause to believe that discriminatory housing practices had occurred and issued a charge of discrimination.
The Justice Department is seeking monetary damages for those harmed by the defendants’ actions, civil penalties, and a court order barring future discrimination. This lawsuit is a clear indication that the Justice Department will not tolerate discrimination in housing and will vigorously enforce the Fair Housing Act.
“Equal access to housing in the United States is a fundamental right, and this nation will not tolerate discrimination in housing,” said Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Thomas E. Perez. “The Justice Department will continue its vigorous enforcement of Fair Housing laws along with its partners at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).”
“Housing discrimination is illegal and unacceptable,” said HUD Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity John Trasviña. “HUD and the Justice Department work vigorously to eliminate this form of discrimination.”
The Justice Department urges individuals who believe they have been victims of housing discrimination to contact the Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743, email the Justice Department at fairhousing@usdoj.gov, or contact HUD at 1-800-669-9777.
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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