HUD CHARGES NEW HAMPSHIRE REAL ESTATE AGENT AND COMPANY WITH DISCRIMINATING AGAINST FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN

BOSTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced today that it has charged Scott Walker and Premiere Real Estate LLC, all of Concord, New Hampshire, with illegally discriminating against families with children.

The Fair Housing Act makes it unlawful to deny housing because someone has children or to make statements that indicate a limitation on renting to someone because they have children.

"Treating families with children differently from other tenants is against the law," said John Trasviña, HUD Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. "HUD is committed to taking action against anyone who unlawfully denies housing to families."

According to HUD's investigation, Scott Walker and Premiere Real Estate LLC, allegedly screened applicants and showed the available apartment only to persons who did not have children, and made statements verbally and in e-mail that indicated a preference with regards to familial status: specifically that children were not welcome as residents in his property. HUD's investigation found that when a single mother with a 14-year-old child inquired about the property, Walker informed her that the property was not suitable for a family with children and that he did not have to rent to her.

A United States Administrative Law Judge will hear HUD's charge unless any party elects to have the case heard in federal district court. If an administrative law judge finds after a hearing that discrimination has occurred, he may award damages to the family. In addition, the judge may impose fines to vindicate the public interest, order injunctive and other equitable relief to deter further discrimination, and require payment of attorney fees. If the matter is decided in federal court, the judge may also award punitive damages to the aggrieved persons.

HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, with its partners in the Fair Housing Assistance Program, investigates approximately 10,000 housing discrimination complaints annually. People who believe they have experienced or witnessed unlawful housing discrimination should contact HUD at (800) 669-9777 (voice), or (800) 927-9275 (TTY). More information about fair housing rights is available at HUD's website, www.hud.gov/fairhousing.

###

HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov. You can also follow HUD on Twitter at @HUDnews or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HUD. or sign up for news alerts on HUD's News Listserv.