Pompano Beach firm to pay up to $70,000 to resolve discrimination complaint
WASHINGTON, DC – July 21, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Families with children are now able to live without restrictions at a Pompano Beach, Florida housing development under a voluntary agreement between the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Cornerstone Residential Management, Inc., and the Oaks at Pompano, Ltd. The agreement will improve and increase the affordability of multifamily housing in their area and provide $30,000 in rental assistance to families with children. The firms will also make family-friendly improvements to their properties and donate $20,000 to a fair housing organization.
The agreement comes after a June 2008 HUD review of occupancy restrictions set forth by the management group at the Oaks at Pompano, an apartment complex in Pompano Beach, Florida, that leases one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. HUD discovered that the restrictions not only forced families to pay more for their dwelling, but also denied families tenancy. The Fair Housing Act prohibits housing discrimination based on family status, including actions that unreasonably limit rental occupancy.
“This settlement takes significant steps to further fair housing, make units available to families, and promote a positive living environment,” said John Trasviña, Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO). “Ensuring fair housing for all at the local level has a significant national impact.”
Under the terms of the agreement, the management companies will:
- Provide families with children $30,000 in rental incentives or discounts on their rental amounts at the Oaks at Pompano;
- Use $20,000 to make family-friendly improvements to the Oaks at Pompano;
- Adjust occupancy standards so that one-bedroom units house two people, two-bedroom units house four people and three-bedroom units house six people;
- Donate $20,000 to a local fair housing organization(s); and
- Provide and verify fair housing training to staff at Oaks at Pompano and all other properties.
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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.
Contact:
Shantae Goodloe
(202) 708-0685
www.hud.gov/news/
