HUD, FLORIDA CONDO ASSOCIATION REACH DISCRIMINATION SETTLEMENT CALLING FOR TRAINING
Purchase and occupation were denied to qualified applicants

MIAMI - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced today that it has reached an agreement valued at $25,000 with Martinique Village II "B" Condominium Association in Coconut Creek, Florida, settling allegations that the association?s rejection of a qualified buyer violated the federal Fair Housing Act based on national origin and sex. The prospective buyers who filed the complaint with HUD alleged that despite complying with all the demands imposed by the condominium association, the purchase and application for occupancy were denied.

The Fair Housing Act makes it unlawful in the Sale of Housing to deny a dwelling based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or handicap.

"The Fair Housing Act protects individuals from discrimination because of their national origin or their sex," said Ed Jennings, Jr., HUD Southeast Regional Administrator. "HUD will enforce the law whenever housing providers deprive people of their equal opportunity to enjoy their housing. This settlement ensures the condominium meets its fair housing responsibilities."

The Agreement comes after the resident alleged that the condominium association imposed many demands, made inappropriate inquiries and during the screening interview received many derogatory and discriminatory remarks. Although complainants disagreed with the demands, all inquiries were answered and all demands were complied with.

Under the terms of the Agreement, the Condominium Association will pay the complainants a sum of $25,000, will make dwellings available to persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, will train board officers on all matters relating to their responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act, and for a period of one year will submit to the Department of Housing a copy of all requests of occupancy and a copy of all board decisions to approve or reject each request. Also, the association will discontinue all applicant screening interviews.

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