HUD CHARGES WISCONSIN LANDLORD WITH REFUSING TO RENT TO AFRICAN AMERICAN COUPLE

WASHINGTON, DC – September 23, 2011 – (RealEstateRama) — The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced today that it has charged a La Crosse, Wisconsin landlord with violating the Fair Housing Act for refusing to rent an apartment to an African American couple because of their race. HUD brings the charge on behalf of the couple, alleging that Geneva Terrace, Inc. and Victoria Gerrard, the owner of Geneva Terrace Apartments, and property manager Nicolai Quinn refused to show an apartment to the complainants. Additionally, they falsely represented to the couple and other black applicants that no units were available, while informing white applicants of available units and encouraging them to apply.