AS HUD BECOMES SLOWER AND LESS ACCESSIBLE, PLAINTIFF ATTORNEYS HAVE MORE INCENTIVE TO ENCOURAGE LAWSUITS.
THE RISING ROLE OF PRIVATE TENANT LAWSUITS As HUD’s ability to resolve complaints in a timely manner diminishes, more residents and applicants are turning to private litigation. Filing a lawsuit has always been an option under the Fair Housing Act; however, in the past, many individuals relied on HUD because administrative complaints were free and typically resolved more quickly. COMPLAINT TRENDS AND ENFORCEMENT INTENSITY The idea that enforcement might slow down under these conditions is misleading. History shows that during periods of economic and political instability, the number of complaints actually increases. In 2023, there were 34,150 fair housing complaints
That dynamic is changing. As HUD becomes slower and less accessible, plaintiff attorneys have more incentive to encourage lawsuits. For property managers, this creates higher stakes. A federal investigation may be disruptive, but a lawsuit can be even more devastating, bringing with it legal costs, reputational damage, and the possibility of significant settlements or damages. while harassment cases surged by more than sixty- six percent, reaching 1,521 filings, another historic high. Complaints based on color also increased by more than thirty-five percent in a single year. These numbers demonstrate that residents are not holding back on asserting their rights, even as federal resources shrink. Instead, they are finding other avenues to pursue justice.
filed nationwide—the highest number ever recorded and a 3.5 percent increase over the previous year. Discrimination based on disability accounted for more than half of all complaints,
In 2023 , there were 34,150 fair housing complaints filed nationwide—the highest number ever recorded
3.5% increase over the previous year.
Harassment cases surged by more than 66% , reaching 1,521 filings, another historic high.
Discrimination based on disability accounted for more than 50% of all complaints
Complaints based on color also increased by more than 35% in a single year.
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