The Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania (“HECP”) and Creekside Apartments (“Creekside”) entered into a conciliation agreement, resolving allegations that the company discriminated against prospective tenants with disabilities who called to request reasonable accommodations.
HECP initiated a fair housing testing investigation of Creekside in response to a consumer complaint received in 2023. Callers to the complex were told that emotional support animals would be subject to a pet deposit and monthly pet rent, despite medical documentation verifying a disability-related need for the animal, and that parking spaces could not be reserved for residents with limited mobility. HECP filed a complaint with the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.
Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, known as the Fair Housing Act, makes it unlawful to discriminate in connection with any housing related transaction, based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or familial status. Housing providers are obligated under this law to permit reasonable accommodations, or changes in rules, policies, or practices, when necessary for residents with disabilities to have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy their dwellings.
Creekside admitted no wrongdoing but has agreed to a resolution that will result a payment of $25,000 to HECP to cover a portion of the costs incurred to bring about the agreement and to provide future consumer education regarding the fair housing rights of persons with disabilities, as well as reaching an agreement with the consumer for an additional monetary sum. Additionally, per HUD’s standard requirements for relief in the public interest, Creekside’s staff will participate in comprehensive fair housing training and will adopt revised policies which comply with the Fair Housing Act and HUD/DOJ guidance on reasonable accommodations.
“HECP commends Creekside Apartments for their prompt cooperation in coming to a resolution that will expand access to rental housing that meets the needs of individuals with disabilities in Bucks County and for working to implement best practices for fair housing compliance.” said HECP Executive Director, Rachel Wentworth.
HECP has worked since 1956 to eliminate housing discrimination through education, advocacy, and enforcement of fair housing laws. HECP’s work serves a population of over 4.65 million in the seven-county Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley regions. As the nation’s oldest fair housing agency, HECP’s successes include eradicating discriminatory practices at over 50,000 units of housing. HECP’s investigations are funded in part by the Fair Housing Initiatives Program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. HECP was represented in this matter by Abara Law Firm.
HECP is hosting a series of educational/informational seminars in February on topics such as “Renters Rights,” “Using Fair Housing to Assist Clients in Navigating a Successful Rental Experience” and additional topics. For more information on the seminars or to sign up to become a housing tester click the link.
The Housing Equality Centers’ impact over the years includes: $2,891,219 In damages for victims of housing discrimination 52,333 Units of housing with discriminatory practices ended
To report housing discrimination please click here