A landlord in Boston’s Hyde Park neighborhood has been fined and ordered to attend training on the state’s fair housing laws after he placed discriminatory rental advertisements on the popular classified advertising Web site Craigslist.org, according to Attorney General Martha Coakley’s office.

The announcement comes a week after Coakley’s office resolved a similar case against Alexander Cohen, a Revere landlord who allegedly posted discriminatory statements on Craigslist. Cohen was also required to take classes to ensure future compliance with state and federal fair housing laws.

According to the complaint filed in Suffolk Superior Court, Linheart Smith placed an advertisement on Craigslist.org in May 2009, listing a unit for rent in Hyde Park stating "no Section 8." The state Anti-Discrimination Act prohibits real estate companies, agents, landlords and others involved in property rentals, from discriminating against people who use state or federal housing subsidies to pay for all or a portion of their rent.

"Our office’s lawsuit alleged that this landlord had discriminated against low-income individuals seeking housing. Landlords and real estate professionals must recognize that the rental market is a regulated industry and compliance with our anti-discrimination laws is an important obligation," said Coakley. "While we hope that this enforcement initiative will have a deterrent effect, our office will continue to monitor Craigslist and take action against landlords and real estate professionals who violate the law."

Smith is required to attend trainings on state and federal fair housing laws. He is also prohibited from placing discriminatory advertisements or otherwise discriminating against any person who seeks or applies for housing because they are a member of a protected class. Smith must also advertise any future rental property as "Equal Housing Opportunity" properties and pay a $3,000 civil penalty to the Local Consumer Aid Fund.

 

AG: Hyde Park Landlord Posted Discriminatory Ads On Craigslist

by Banker & Tradesman time to read: 1 min
0