BOSTON — The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office has settled three separate cases involving housing providers, Realtors and rental agents over allegations of income-based discrimination.
A total of $40,000 will be paid to settle the allegations that stemmed from complaints filed with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD), according to the Attorney General's Office. The complaints involved mostly property owners and Realtors who denied rental to prospective tenants who were a part of the Section 8 Housing Choice voucher program in violation of Massachusetts anti-discrimination and consumer protection laws, the Attorney General's Office said.
“Our public assistance programs help low-income families access safe and affordable housing in Massachusetts,” Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey said in a statement. “We will take action against landlords and property owners who discriminate against prospective tenants based on participation in the voucher program.”
The defendants will pay $10,000 to one applicant who was told the duplex she wanted to rent was "not approved for Section 8" when there is no pre-approval for the program. The defendants must also ensure ads and postings for their properties clearly show Section 8 tenants are welcome, the Attorney General's Office said.