Power Grid Blog
Protecting the American dream: federal government cracks down on alleged discrimination against homebuyers with disabilities
February 27, 2012 | AAPD Power Grid Blog Team
Owning a home is a part of the American dream. For the overwhelming bulk of homebuyers, securing a home loan is a necessary step toward homeownership. The Fair Housing Act makes it illegal to discriminate against homebuyers with disabilities—including by imposing different terms and conditions of a loan or including additional criteria or requirements in the application process.
Today the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) charged that Bank of America violated the Fair Housing Act by imposing extra burdens on people with disabilities in the application process. HUD alleges that Bank of America required applicants with disabilities to provide statements from their physicians and burdensome documentation of their disability payments. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is proceeding with the matter.
The discriminatory practices alleged in HUD’s charge demonstrate the need for robust enforcement of our civil rights laws. HUD and DOJ are fighting to ensure that people with disabilities do not face discriminatory barriers to homeownership. It is important that private citizens do our part. HUD investigated Bank of America after reviewing complaints submitted to the department. People who believe they are the victims of housing discrimination should contact HUD at 1-800-669-9777 (voice), (800) 927-9275 (TTY).






























Comments
Submitted by Sparrow Hawk at 09:12 AM on March 18, 2012