HUD Announces Settlement Agreement with California Housing Providers Resolving Sexual Harassment Claims

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced today that it has approved a Conciliation Agreement with Indio, California, property owners Perris Family Apartments, LLC., Perris Family Apartments L.P., and The Coachella Valley Housing Coalition, as well as their property manager, Hyder & Company dba Hyder Property Management Professionals, and maintenance person Kenneth Parker, resolving allegations of housing discrimination because of sex. The Agreement resolves allegations that a female tenant was subjected to sexual harassment by Parker and that the owners and manager failed to prevent further incidents of sexual harassment. This Conciliation Agreement does not constitute an admission by Respondents or evidence of a determination by HUD of any violation of the Fair Housing Act or any other law. Read the Conciliation Agreement here.

The Fair Housing Act prohibits sexual harassment of tenants and other forms of housing discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and familial status.

"Tenants should not have to endure sexual harassment in their homes," said Demetria L. McCain, HUD's Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. "Today's conciliation agreement should send a clear message that HUD is committed to ensuring housing providers meet their obligations under the Fair Housing Act."

The case came to HUD's attention when the tenant filed a complaint with HUD. Under the Agreement, Perris Family Apartments will pay the tenant $21,000 and take other actions to prevent sexual harassment, including providing training for employees. The respondents denied the allegations but voluntarily agreed to settle the matter.

People who believe they have experienced discrimination may file a complaint by contacting HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at (800) 669-9777 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (Relay). Housing discrimination complaints may also be filed by going to hud.gov/fairhousing.

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