HUD Announces Conciliation Agreement with California Housing Providers

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced today that it has entered into a Conciliation Agreement with California property owner, 751 Driskell Ave, L.P., and property management company, WinnResidential California L.P. The Agreement resolves allegations that the respondents discriminated against families with children by enacting overly restrictive rules targeting children's access to the property's common areas and enforcing a rule prohibiting personal items from being left in the common areas only against families with children. The respondents deny having discriminated against the complainants. Read the Agreement here.

"All members of the family, including children who are tenants, should be able to enjoy the safety and comfort of home," said Demetria L. McCain, HUD's Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. "HUD recognizes that, through this agreement, 751 Driskell Ave, L.P. and WinnResidential California L.P. affirm their ongoing commitment to follow fair housing laws and not discriminate against families who have children."

This Agreement arose from complaints filed with HUD by three residents of the property and Project Sentinel, a fair housing organization that provides assistance to and educates the community on fair housing laws. The complaints alleged that the respondents violated the Fair Housing Act. The residents alleged that the owners prohibited their children from playing on the property's play structure or grass. They alleged further that the manager sent a notice that children under the age of 14 had to be supervised by an adult while outside and that she would dispose of children's toys and bikes if left outside. Project Sentinel also alleged that the owners' conduct regarding familial status frustrated its mission and caused it to divert resources in order to address the conduct.

Under the terms of the Agreement, the respondents will pay a total of $29,000 to the complainants. Each family will receive $8,000 and Project Sentinel will receive $5,000. The respondents will also review and revise their rules regarding children and procedures for handling complaints made by applicants and tenants about discrimination and harassment of families with children. Employees of the respondents who interact with residents or applicants, or who make housing-related decisions regarding residents or applicants will also attend fair housing training. 751 Driskell Ave, L.P. and WinnResidential California L.P. deny any violation of the law and their entering into the Conciliation Agreement does not constitute an admission by them or evidence of a determination by the Department of any violation of the Act or any other law.

Individuals who believe they have experienced discrimination in housing may file a complaint by contacting HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at (800) 669-9777 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (Federal Relay Service).

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