The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has charged Greenview Associates L.P., Palmer Asset Management, LLC, and John Martin, property managers and landlord in Manchester, New Hampshire, with violating the Fair Housing Act. The charge alleges retaliation against a tenant who filed a Fair Housing complaint with HUD.

According to HUD's Charge of Discrimination, after the tenant lodged the complaint, the landlord and property manager conducted a background check on the tenant. This action deviated from their standard practice of not running checks on existing tenants. Subsequently, they sought to evict the tenant based on information revealed by this background check related to an event that occurred long ago.

Diane M. Shelley, HUD’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity stated: “The conduct alleged in this Charge constitutes illegal retaliation under the Fair Housing Act.” She emphasized that “today’s charge sends a strong message that HUD is committed to ensuring that tenants who exercise their fair housing rights are protected from retaliatory evictions.”

Damon Smith, HUD’s General Counsel added: “The Fair Housing Act prohibits landlords from retaliating against individuals for asserting the rights afforded to them under the Fair Housing Act,” affirming HUD's dedication to protecting these fundamental rights.

An Administrative Law Judge will hear HUD’s charge unless any involved party opts for a federal district court hearing. If discrimination is confirmed after a hearing, damages may be awarded to affected individuals along with injunctive relief and other measures to prevent further discrimination. Civil penalties could also be imposed to uphold public interest. In federal court cases, punitive damages might be granted.

For those seeking more information on potentially discriminatory evictions or believing themselves victims of housing discrimination, resources are available through HUD at (800) 669-9777 or online at www.hud.gov/fairhousing.