The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has charged N. Clark, LLC and Kathleen Cresson, owner and manager of a multi-family rental home in New Orleans, Louisiana, with discriminating against potential tenants based on race and familial status. The charges were announced on October 4, 2023.
The charges stem from a 2019 complaint filed by the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center (LaFHAC). The complaint alleged that N. Clark, LLC and Cresson denied rental or changed rental terms based on a tenant's race or familial status. Familial status refers to households where one or more minors live with a parent or legal guardian.
During LaFHAC's investigation, tests were conducted involving both Black and White participants, some with children and some without. The tests revealed disparate treatment towards Black testers compared to their White counterparts. Cresson reportedly discouraged testers with children from renting the property, citing the absence of a backyard and suggesting potential risks for kids.
In response to the charges, Damon Smith, HUD General Counsel, stated, "A landlord who ignores inquiries from tenants based on their race or who pressures potential tenants with children not to apply for housing is violating the Fair Housing Act. HUD is committed to eradicating unlawful housing discrimination in all the forms it may take."
The charges filed by HUD require a declaration of the respondents' violations of the Fair Housing Act, an injunction against further discrimination based on race or familial status, mandatory Fair Housing Act training for the accused, compensation to LaFHAC, and civil penalties for the infractions.
Demetria L. McCain, HUD's Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, reaffirmed the agency's dedication to enforcing the Fair Housing Act. She stated, "The Fair Housing Act of 1968 was established to counteract racial discrimination in housing. Neither race nor the presence of children should be obstacles when renting. Today's charge exemplifies HUD's unwavering dedication to enforcing the Fair Housing Act."
