MADISON, Wis. (Legal Newsline) — The Justice Department filed a proposed settlement agreement with Applewood of Cross Plains and William Ranguette over allegations the apartment complex and landlord violated the Fair Housing Act.
Applewood and Ranguette allegedly discriminated against two residents of Applewood Apartments, a mother and a daughter who lived together, by refusing to renew their lease because of purported disabilities. The apartment complex and landlord demanded they create a “plan” to deal with the daughter’s Down syndrome and pressured the two to move, according to the complaint.
“Persons with disabilities, like all Americans, have the right to live in housing free of discrimination and harassment from both landlords and tenants,” said principal deputy assistant attorney general Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division remains committed to enforcing the Fair Housing Act and ensuring that all individuals are able to enjoy the rights it guarantees.”
Under the terms of the settlement, the defendants must pay the complainants $40,000 in damages and maintain non-discrimination housing policies. They must further advertise that they are equal opportunity housing providers.