Southwest Fair Housing Council Resolves Disability and Retaliation Discrimination Case Through Confidential Settlement
In coordination with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office Civil Rights Division, has reached a confidential settlement agreement with a Tucson-area housing provider to resolve allegations of disability-based housing discrimination and unlawful retaliation.
TUCSON, AZ — [6/12/2025] — Southwest Fair Housing Council (SWFHC), in coordination with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office Civil Rights Division, has reached a confidential settlement agreement with a Tucson-area housing provider to resolve allegations of disability-based housing discrimination and unlawful retaliation.
The complaint, brought forward by a tenant with a disability, alleged that the housing provider failed to accommodate her needs and later retaliated against her after she exercised her rights under the Arizona Fair Housing Act (AFHA). While the terms of the settlement do not include an admission of wrongdoing, the resolution establishes specific corrective actions, including mandatory fair housing training for staff, removal of credit penalties, and financial compensation for the Complainant.
“Even today, people with disabilities face unjust barriers when trying to access safe and stable housing,” said Jay Young, Executive Director of SWFHC. “Every Arizonan—regardless of ability—deserves dignity and equal opportunity in their housing experience.”
As part of the Agreement, the housing provider will undergo HUD-compliant fair housing training and update their internal policies to ensure compliance with anti-discrimination laws. These proactive steps aim to reduce the likelihood of future violations and build a more inclusive housing environment for all.
SWFHC remains steadfast in its mission to eliminate housing discrimination across Arizona and urges anyone who believes their fair housing rights have been violated contact SWFHC for guidance and support.
About Soutwest Fair Housing Council (SWFHC):
Southwest Fair Housing Council works to eliminate all forms of illegal housing discrimination across Arizona. Through community outreach, education, research, and enforcement, SWFHC ensures that every Arizonan—regardless of race, disability, income, or background—has access to fair and equitable housing opportunities.
Media Contact:
Tasha Lynch
Manager of Operations and Investigations
tasha@swfhc.org
Southwest Fair Housing Council Reaches Settlement in Housing Discrimination Case Involving Disability Rights
SWFHC reaches another settlement in housing discrimination case involving disability rights.
TUCSON, AZ — [6/21/2025] — Southwest Fair Housing Council (SWFHC), in partnership with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office Civil Rights Division, has reached a no-fault settlement agreement with a housing provider following a complaint involving alleged discrimination based on disability.
The complaint alleged that a housing provider failed to provide a reasonable accommodation as required under the Arizona Fair Housing Act (AFHA). The settlement resolves the matter without an admission of wrongdoing. Still, it includes specific terms aimed at improving compliance with fair housing laws. These terms include mandatory fair housing training for staff, the prominent display of fair housing posters, and a financial resolution for the affected party.
“This agreement underscores the ongoing need to educate housing providers about their legal responsibilities under fair housing laws,” said Jay Young, Executive Director of SWFHC. “While we cannot disclose specific details, we can say that this resolution represents progress in our mission to ensure equal housing access for people with disabilities across Arizona.”
SWFHC remains committed to protecting the housing rights of all Arizonans, particularly those most vulnerable to discriminatory practices. The organization thanks the Arizona Attorney General’s Office for its partnership in helping resolve this matter and for holding housing providers accountable to state and federal laws.
If you or someone you know has experienced housing discrimination or needs assistance requesting a reasonable accommodation, contact SWFHC to learn more about your rights.
About Soutwest Fair Housing Council (SWFHC):
Southwest Fair Housing Council works to eliminate all forms of illegal housing discrimination across Arizona. Through community outreach, education, research, and enforcement, SWFHC ensures that every Arizonan—regardless of race, disability, income, or background—has access to fair and equitable housing opportunities.
Media Contact:
Tasha Lynch
Manager of Operations and Investigations
tasha@swfhc.org
SWFHC Commends Lawsuit Protecting Arizonans with Disabilities from Housing Discrimination
The Arizona Fair Housing Act makes it unlawful to deny reasonable accommodations in policies or practices that may be necessary for a person with a disability to fully use and enjoy their home
TUCSON, AZ — [6/16/2025] — Southwest Fair Housing Council (SWFHC) strongly supports Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes' public enforcement lawsuit against Frame Properties Limited Partnership. The lawsuit alleges that the housing provider violated the Arizona Fair Housing Act (AFHA) by denying a reasonable accommodation to a tenant with a disability who relies on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) to pay her rent.
The tenant requested a minor adjustment to her rent due date, asking to pay on the third of the month instead of the first, to align with the timing of her SSDI payment. Rather than granting this reasonable accommodation, Frame Properties allegedly imposed an additional fee, which contradicts established fair housing guidance and legal precedent.
"Housing discrimination against people with disabilities remains one of the most frequently reported and persistent violations we see across Arizona," said Jay Young, Executive Director of SWFHC. "When someone with a disability requests a small and reasonable change to their housing terms, like adjusting a payment date, it is not only fair but legally required to consider it without penalty."
The Arizona Fair Housing Act makes it unlawful to deny reasonable accommodations in policies or practices that may be necessary for a person with a disability to fully use and enjoy their home. Both the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Justice have long affirmed that adjustments to the rent schedule for SSDI recipients are standard examples of reasonable accommodations under the law.
SWFHC urges all housing providers in Arizona to regard this case as a reminder of their obligations under state and federal fair housing laws. Understanding and honoring the rights of tenants with disabilities is not optional—it is fundamental to a just and inclusive housing market.
For individuals experiencing housing discrimination or needing assistance with reasonable accommodations, SWFHC provides education, resources, and support.
About Southwest Fair Housing Council (SWFHC):
Southwest Fair Housing Council works to eliminate all forms of illegal housing discrimination across Arizona. Through community outreach, education, research, and enforcement, SWFHC ensures that every Arizonan—regardless of race, disability, income, or background—has access to fair and equitable housing opportunities.
Media Contact:
Tasha Lynch
Manager of Operations and Investigations
Southwest Fair Housing Council Secures Landmark Legal Victory for Disability Rights in Housing
Tucson, Arizona – In a significant win for disability rights and fair housing, the Southwest Fair Housing Council (SWFHC) has successfully obtained a permanent injunction against WG Scottsdale LLC, d/b/a Atria Sierra Pointe, as ordered by United States District Judge Roseniary Mafxnlez.
Tucson, Arizona – In a significant win for disability rights and fair housing, the Southwest Fair Housing Council (SWFHC) has successfully obtained a permanent injunction against WG Scottsdale LLC, d/b/a Atria Sierra Pointe, as ordered by United States District Judge Roseniary Mafxnlez. Following a unanimous jury verdict, this landmark decision marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight against housing discrimination.
The court ruling mandates comprehensive changes to ensure effective communication and accommodation for disabled individuals. WG Scottsdale LLC is now legally bound to provide auxiliary aids and services, including sign language interpreters, and to maintain detailed records of all related requests and provisions. Additionally, the company is required to create and implement a comprehensive plan of action to ensure timely access to necessary accommodations and compliance with fair housing laws.
This case stemmed from a lawsuit filed by the SWFHC, which alleged that WG Scottsdale LLC had violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Federal Fair Housing Act (FHA), and the Arizona Fair Housing Act (AZFHA). The jury awarded both nominal and punitive damages, recognizing the gravity of the defendant's violations.
Judge Mafxnlez's ruling emphasizes the importance of upholding the rights of individuals with disabilities within the housing sector. The court's decision underscores that failure to provide necessary accommodations constitutes a civil rights violation, warranting legal and corrective action.
"This ruling is not just a victory for the Southwest Fair Housing Council but for every individual who has faced discrimination due to their disability," said Jay Young, Executive Director of SWFHC. "It sends a clear message that housing providers must proactively ensure equal access and accommodations for all individuals, as mandated by federal and state laws."
SWFHC remains committed to advocating for fair housing practices and dismantling discriminatory barriers. This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and action to protect the rights of all individuals in their pursuit of fair and equitable housing.
For more information, please contact:
Southwest Fair Housing Council (SWFHC)
Phone: (520) 798-1568
Email: info@swfhc.com
Website: www.swfhc.com
About SWFHC
The Southwest Fair Housing Council promotes fair housing and equal opportunity through education, advocacy, and enforcement. We strive to eliminate discrimination in housing and provide resources to ensure all individuals have access to safe and affordable housing.