Phoenix apartment complex settles housing discrimination claims
Oct 26, 2021, 4:25 AM
(Facebook Photo/U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development)
(Facebook Photo/U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development)
PHOENIX – An east Phoenix apartment complex has agreed to a settlement over housing discrimination allegations, authorities said Monday.
The case originated when an woman from Chad living at the Roosevelt Plaza Apartments claimed she was required to sign housing documents in English, a language she can’t adequately speak or read, according to a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development press release.
Failing to provide adequate language services could be considered discrimination based on national origin under the Fair Housing Act and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, HUD said.
“Having access to important information related to federally financed housing, such as details about application procedures and the terms of lease agreements, shouldn’t depend on being fluent in English,” HUD’s Demetria McCain said in the release.
“Title VI requires housing providers to make this information available to all applicants and tenants, regardless of what language they speak, and HUD is committed to ensuring that they meet that obligation.”
HUD announced today that it has reached a Conciliation Agreement/Voluntary Compliance Agreement with MGM Investment Company re: Fair Housing Act and Title VI violations.
Our statement: pic.twitter.com/oo3tAkkfnQ
— Department of Housing and Urban Development (@HUDgov) October 25, 2021
The complex near 40th Street and the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway is owned by MGM Investment Company and receives HUD funding.
MGM Investment’s voluntary compliance agreement is not an admission or evidence of any violations.
The company agreed to pay $1,000 to the woman from Chad and $500 to other households with residents of limited English proficiency, for a total of $34,000.
MGM also agreed to provide free interpretation services, develop a language-access plan for translated documents and put employees through fair housing training.
Housing discrimination complaints can be filed to HUD by calling 800-669-9777 or online at hud.gov/fairhousing.
