FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 28, 2024
BERKELEY, CA — On March 12, 2024, DREDF filed a case on behalf of the Fair Housing Foundation to challenge practices used by a housing provider in Los Angeles County to steer Section 8 voucher holders away from the provider’s properties. Fair Housing Foundation v. H.F.H., LTD, Case No. 24LBCV00487 (Los Angeles Sup. Ct.). “Steering” is the process of influencing a renter’s choice of housing because of the renter’s protected status. Steering on the basis of a prospective renter’s use of a Section 8 voucher violates California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).
The complaint filed on behalf of Fair Housing Foundation alleged that defendant H.F.H, Ltd. steered prospective tenants away from their properties by telling them that Section 8 paperwork was not a priority; that Section 8 paperwork would take months; that available units could only be held for a short time; and that Section 8 voucher holders would be better off renting at buildings “already registered” for Section 8. The defendant also used discriminatory minimum income requirements based on total rent, rather than the portion of the rent Section 8 recipients are required to pay, a practice that separately violated the FEHA.
The case recently settled on June 28, 2024, with the defendant housing provider agreeing to develop and implement fair housing policies at all properties within its portfolio; to submit its agents and employees to fair housing training; to modify its website to include language welcoming applications from Section 8 voucher holders; and to pay Fair Housing Foundation’s damages, attorney’s fees, and costs.
“This was a solid win,” said Michelle Uzeta, DREDF’s Deputy Legal Director about the case. “The steering of Section 8 voucher holders in or out of certain neighborhoods has been shown to disproportionately impact black, brown, and disabled people, and perpetuate segregation in our communities. It must and will be challenged.”
###
Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), based in Berkeley, California, is a national nonprofit law and policy center dedicated to advancing and protecting the civil and human rights of people with disabilities. Founded in 1979 by people with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities, DREDF remains board- and staff-led by members of the communities for whom we advocate. DREDF pursues its mission through education, advocacy, and law reform efforts.
Media Contact:
Tina Pinedo
DREDF Communications Director
(510) 225-7726
media@dredf.org