BATON ROUGE, LA - In recognition
of the 50th Annual Fair Housing Month, Attorney General Jeff Landry is
encouraging Louisiana citizens to know their rights when renting or buying a
home and to report any potential violations.
"Federal and State Laws are clear: it is illegal to
practice housing discrimination based on someone's race, color, national
origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability," said General
Landry. "My office is working together with the U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD) to inform Louisianans of their rights and ensure
they are treated fairly."
General Landry's Office routinely holds Fair Housing
Workshops across the State to inform contractors, developers, architects,
landlords, tenants, housing advocates, and the general public of their housing
rights under Louisiana law. In partnership with HUD, the Louisiana Department
of Justice (LADOJ) handles various types of fair housing discrimination
complaints; including: real estate, mortgage and lending, and rental dwellings
of any type (apartments, rental homes, and trailer parks).
From providing different terms, conditions, or
privileges for certain people to refusing to make certain modifications or
accommodations for persons with mental or physical disabilities - all housing
discrimination is wrong. And General Landry's Office hopes everyone who has
experienced housing discrimination will report it to the LADOJ's Equal Housing
Opportunity Section by calling 800-273-5718 or visiting www.agjefflandry.com.
"Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. famously said
'injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,' and this is especially
true with people's rights to live where they choose," added General Landry.
"We encourage anyone who may have experienced injustice in the housing
process to contact our office today."
General Landry's Office also reminds the public that
they are available to provide training to businesses, professional
associations, builders, owners, and renters who are working to comply with the
law. To request this type of training, again call 800-273-5718 or visit www.agjefflandry.com
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