Enforcement

The FHCCI fights housing discrimination not only because it is unlawful, but also because it is a divisive force that perpetuates poverty, segregation, ignorance, fear, and hatred. Housing discrimination can also impair the FHCCI’s mission and activities. As a result, the FHCCI works to eradicate housing discrimination and other housing inequities, which may result in specific actions to redress harm by challenging alleged violations of law.

Listed on this page are some of the FHCCI’s actions along with any information released to the public. Note: It is understood that in all “settled” cases reported on this site, the Respondent or Defendant, unless otherwise noted, denies the allegations of discrimination made by the Complainant or Plaintiff, and the parties have agreed to resolve the action prior to a trial on the merits.

AMP Residential: Complaint filed with HUD in July 2016 alleging discrimination due to familial status. Settlement reached in January 2017. Closed.

  • July 13, 2016 – Large Regional Property Management Company Accused of Housing Discrimination: Today, the Fair Housing Center of West Michigan (FHCWM), the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI), the Fair Housing Center of Southeast & Mid Michigan (FHCSEM), the Fair Housing Center of Southwest Michigan (FHCSWM) and the Central Ohio Fair Housing Association (COFHA) announce that they have filed a fair housing complaint against AMP Residential, an Indianapolis-based property management company that owns and operates over 8,000 rental housing units in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Alabama. The groups allege that AMP has engaged in systemic discrimination against families with children across 20 properties evaluated in three states. Read more below:   Press Release     HUD Complaint-Part 1     HUD Complaint-Part 2
  • January 27, 2017 – National Property Management Company Settles Housing Discrimination Complaint: Today, the Fair Housing Center of West Michigan (FHCWM), the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI), the Fair Housing Center of Southeast & Mid Michigan (FHCSMM), the Fair Housing Center of Southwest Michigan (FHCSWM) and the Central Ohio Fair Housing Association (COFHA) announce that they have settled a fair housing complaint against AMP Residential, an Indianapolis-based property management company that owns and operates apartment complexes throughout the United States. Read more here.

Anderson Housing Authority: Complaint filed in federal court in April 2016 alleging discrimination due to race, gender, disability, and maintenance of property. Settlement reached in September 2017. Closed.

  • April 11, 2016 – The Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) and two Anderson residents announce the filing of a federal lawsuit against the Anderson Housing Authority of Anderson, Indiana. The complaint alleges that the defendant discriminated in its ownership and management of its multifamily public housing dwellings on the basis of race, gender, and disability in violation of the federal Fair Housing Act and for its failure to maintain its dwellings in a decent, safe, and sanitary condition in violation of state housing laws. “Today, we celebrate the 48th anniversary of the passage of the federal Fair Housing Act,” stated Amy Nelson, Executive Director of the FHCCI. “Yet, female tenants at Westvale Manor have had to put up with leering and degrading comments by the maintenance staff for years while persons with disabilities had needed accommodations ignored greatly impacting their health and well being.” Read more:  Press Release     Federal Court Complaint
  • September 14, 2017 – Justice Department Obtains $70,000 Settlement of Fair Housing Lawsuit against Indiana Housing Authority: The Justice Department announced today that it has reached a settlement with the Housing Authority of the City of Anderson, Indiana, which owns and operates 143 public housing units in the city, to resolve allegations that the Housing Authority had discriminated against residents of these units on the basis of sex and disability. Under the settlement agreement, the Housing Authority will pay $70,000 to compensate the seven victims of discrimination identified by the Justice Department. As part of the agreement, the Housing Authority of the City of Anderson will implement nondiscrimination policies and procedures, provide fair housing training for its employees, refrain from engaging in any prohibited conduct in the future, and make periodic reports to the department confirming compliance. Read more here.
  • October 10, 2017 – Fair Housing Lawsuit Against Housing Authority Settles: Today, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) and two Anderson residents announce a $230,000 settlement with the Anderson Housing Authority of Anderson, Indiana to resolve allegations the Authority discriminated in its ownership and management of its multifamily public housing dwellings on the basis of race, gender, and disability in violation of the federal Fair Housing Act. The Anderson Housing Authority denied all material allegations in the filed complaint, except for subject matter jurisdiction. Read the press release here. A copy of the consent decree is here.
  • Press of Interest:

Bank of America: Complaint filed with HUD in October 2012 and in federal court in June 2018 alleging discrimination in the maintenance of foreclosed properties in neighborhoods of color vs. white neighborhoods. Pending.

  • October 23, 2012 – National Fair Housing Alliance and Member Agencies Allege Discrimination in Marketing and Maintenance of Foreclosed Homes in Chicago, Milwaukee and Indianapolis: Today, the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA), the HOPE Fair Housing Center, the South Suburban Housing Center, the Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council and the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana announced a federal housing discrimination complaint against Bank of America Corporation, Bank of America, N.A., and BAC Home Loan Servicing, LP. This complaint is the result of an undercover investigation of Bank of America that found the financial giant maintains and markets foreclosed homes in White neighborhoods in a much better manner than in African-American and Latino neighborhoods in Chicago, Milwaukee and Indianapolis. See the Press Release for more information. A copy of the filed complaint may be viewed here or as follows: Bank of America Complaint 10-23-2012, Exhibit A and Exhibit B
  • August 31, 2016 – Bank of America Accused of Racial Discrimination in 30 U.S. Metropolitan Areas and 201 Cities: Today, the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) and nine local fair housing organizations filed an amended discrimination complaint against Bank of America (BoA). The complaint alleges illegal discrimination by BoA in African American and Latino neighborhoods in six additional cities. This new evidence of discriminatory treatment by BoA will be added to the federal Fair Housing Act complaint on file with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Furthermore, NFHA and the nine fair housing organizations added new evidence to their existing claims.  The six additional cities are: Columbus, OH; Gary, IN; Minneapolis, MN; Newark, NJ; Tampa, FL; and neighborhoods in suburban Detroit. For more information:     Press Release     National Webinar     City Breakouts Presentation     Information on the National Fair Housing Alliance website
  • June 26, 2018 – National Fair Housing Alliance, 19 Fair Housing Organizations, and Two Homeowners Charge Bank of America and Safeguard Properties Management with Violating the Federal Fair Housing Act: Today, the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA), 19 fair housing organizations including the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana, and two homeowners in Maryland filed a federal Fair Housing Act lawsuit against Bank of America, N.A., Bank of America Corp., and Safeguard Properties Management, LLC (“Bank of America/Safeguard”). The lawsuit alleges Defendants intentionally failed to provide routine exterior maintenance and marketing at Bank of America-owned homes in working- and middle-class African American and Latino neighborhoods in 37 metropolitan areas, while they consistently maintained similar bank-owned homes in comparable white neighborhoods. Read more:    Press Release     Filed Complaint
  • July 22, 2019 – Judge Denies Bank of America’s Motion to Dismiss in Critical Fair Housing Lawsuit: Last week in Maryland, a federal judge denied Bank of America and Safeguard’s motions to dismiss a fair housing lawsuit concerning housing discrimination against communities of color. In June 2018, the National Fair Housing Alliance, along with 19 fair housing organizations (including the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana) and two homeowners in Maryland, filed a federal Fair Housing Act lawsuit against Bank of America, N.A., and Safeguard Properties Management, LLC (“Bank of America/Safeguard”). The lawsuit alleged that Bank of America and Safeguard intentionally failed to provide routine exterior maintenance and marketing at Bank of America-owned homes in African-American and Latino neighborhoods in 37 metropolitan areas, while they consistently maintained similar bank-owned homes in comparable White neighborhoods. Read the full press release here. Download the court decision here.
  • July 20, 2022 – NFHA and Other Fair Housing Groups Fight Bank of America’s Attempt to Toss Out Lawsuit Regarding Bank’s Poor Maintenance of Homes in Black and Latino Communities: The National Fair Housing Alliance and 19 other fair housing groups (including the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana) have asked a federal judge to deny attempts by Bank of America and its property maintenance vendor, Safeguard Properties Management, to throw out a lawsuit regarding their property maintenance and marketing practices that the groups consider racially discriminatory. Read full alert here.
  • March 27, 2023 – Lawsuit Alleging Racial Discrimination by Bank of America in Its Maintenance of Foreclosed Homes Allowed to Proceed – Civil Rights Groups Presented Extensive Evidence in Federal Court that the Bank Poorly Maintained Homes in Black and Latino Neighborhoods: A federal court has found that the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) and other fair housing organizations have presented sufficient evidence that Bank of America discriminated based on race in its maintenance and marketing of foreclosed-upon properties for the case to go to a jury. On Friday, Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland resoundingly rejected Bank of America’s attempt to have the Fair Housing Act case dismissed. Full release here.
  • Press of Interest:

BMO Harris Bank: Interaction raising fair lending concerns impacting Black home seekers in Indianapolis/Marion County, Indiana (and nationwide).

Brookfield Farms Homeowners Association: Complaint filed in federal court in July 2014 alleging discrimination against persons with disabilities. This case challenges a restrictive covenant binding all homeowners in a subdivision that restricted housing to single families that deterred a group home for three unrelated adults from opening in the subdivision. Settlement reached in May 2016. Closed.

Buckingham: Complaint filed in federal court in December 2012 alleging discrimination against persons with disabilities in the design and construction of multi-family properties. Settlement reached in December 2014. Closed.

  • December 11, 2012 – Civil Rights Organizations File Federal Lawsuit against Buckingham Realty and Development Corp. and Several Co-Defendants for Fair Housing Act Violations in Kentucky, Illinois and Indiana.    press release     filed complaint
  • December 4, 2014 – Fair Housing Centers Settle Housing Accessibility Lawsuit against Buckingham Realty and Development Corp. and Several Co-Defendants: The National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA), Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana, and HOPE Fair Housing Center (HOPE) have settled an accessibility lawsuit against Midwest developer Buckingham Realty and Development Corp. and several co-defendants, regarding alleged violations at the Champion Farms Apartments (Louisville, Kentucky), Grand Prairie Apartments (Peoria, Illinois), Providence at Old Meridian Apartments (Carmel, Indiana) and The Reserve at Williams Glen Apartments (Zionsville, Indiana). Press Release
  • Press of Interest:

Capitol Station/United Church Homes: Complaint filed in federal court in February 2016 alleging discrimination due to disability. Settlement reached in February 2017. Closed.

  • February 11, 2016 – Fair Housing Lawsuit Alleging Disability Discrimination Filed Against Senior Living Community in Indianapolis: The Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI), Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services (IPAS), and four people with disabilities announce the filing of a federal lawsuit against United Church Residences of Indianapolis, Indiana, Inc., and United Church Homes, Inc., owners of Capitol Station apartments in Indianapolis, Indiana. The complaint alleges that the defendants did not take timely action to repair the only elevator in an apartment building which housed residents age 62 years or older. Many residents of Capitol Station had mobility issues which were readily apparent, for whom taking the stairs was dangerous or impossible. This suit alleges that Capitol Station was without a working elevator for five and a half weeks in August and September 2015 resulting in harm to residents with disabilities. Read more below:     Press Release     Federal Court Complaint
  • December 1, 2016 – Denial of Motion to Dismiss    Indiana Lawyer
  • Press of Interest:

Casas Baratas Aqui, Marshall Welton, SLB Investments, et al: Complaint filed in federal court in April 2018 alleging discrimination due to race, color, and national origin under the federal Fair Housing Act, as well as violations under the federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Truth in Lending Act, and Indiana state laws. Settlement reached in November 2019. Closed.

  • April 12, 2018 – Fair Housing Lawsuit Alleging Discrimination Filed Against Indianapolis Rent-to-Own Companies: Today, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) and six Indianapolis residents announce the filing of a federal lawsuit against Marshall Welton, who operates and manages a collection of limited liability companies doing business as Casas Baratas Aqui (Casas). Casas is a trade name under which Welton advertises houses for rent-to-buy in Indianapolis. The complaint alleges that the Defendants violated civil rights and consumer protection laws, including the federal Fair Housing Act, the federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Truth in Lending Act, and several Indiana state laws. The complaint involves almost 1,000 houses in Marion County, Indiana. Welton is sued in his personal capacity and as the manager or president of the defendant LLCs. Other defendants are also named. Read the full press release or download a copy of the filed complaint.
  • June 5, 2018 – FHCCI Files Amended Complaint Against Casas Baratas Acqui: Today, the FHCCI announces an amendment to its filed complaint against Casas Baratas Acqui, et al to include allegations of violation of the Indiana Home Loan Practices Act, to add additional plaintiffs, and to add additional defendants. Download a copy of the amended complaint here.
  • November 11, 2019 – FHCCI and Casas Baratas Aqui Agree to Resolution of Fair Housing Litigation: Today, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) announces a precedent setting settlement of fair housing litigation against Marshall Welton, who operates and manages a collection of limited liability companies doing business as Casas Baratas Aqui (Casas). Casas is a trade name under which Welton has over 1,000 single family homes for rent-to-own or through land contracts in Indianapolis. The Defendants admitted to no fault or liability as part of the settlement. Read the full press release here.
  • Press of Interest:

CityWide Home Loans/Pierce Appraisal: Complaints filed with HUD in March 2021 alleging discrimination due to race and color in the appraisal and lending process. Pending.

Clover Group: Complaint filed in federal court in March 2022 alleging discrimination due to disability and design and construction accessibility. Settlement reached in August 2022. Closed.

Coolspring Estates/LaPorte Lake Properties: Complaint filed in federal court in March 2021 alleging discrimination due to familial status. Resolved in 2022. Closed.

Deutsche Bank, Ocwen Financial, and Altisource: Complaint filed with HUD in July 2017 and in federal court February 2018 alleging discrimination in the marketing and maintenance of foreclosed properties in neighborhoods of color vs. white neighborhoods. Pending.

  • July 26, 2017 – National Fair Housing Alliance and 19 Fair Housing Organizations Charge Deutsche Bank and its Preservation Maintenance Companies with Housing Discrimination based on Race and National Origin: Today, the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) (with the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana) announced that it has found substantial new evidence in support of allegations that Deutsche Bank, Ocwen Financial, and Altisource continue to discriminate against communities of color in 30 metropolitan areas throughout the United States, including Indianapolis. NFHA has filed an amended administrative complaint with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). NFHA alleges that Deutsche Bank AG, Deutsche Bank National Trust, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, Ocwen Financial Corporation, and Altisource Portfolio Solutions, Inc. fail to provide required routine maintenance on bank-owned homes in middle- and working-class African American and Latino neighborhoods, while Deutsche/Ocwen/Altisource consistently provide routine maintenance on similar bank-owned homes in white neighborhoods. Read more:      Press Release      Indianapolis Evidence      National Fair Housing Alliance Photos      Filed Complaint
  • February 1, 2018 – Deutsche Bank, Ocwen Financial, and Altisource Accused of Racial Discrimination in 30 U.S. Metro Areas – National Fair Housing Alliance and 19 Civil Rights Groups File Federal Lawsuit Over Neglected Foreclosures in Communities of Color: Today, the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) and 19 fair housing organizations from across the country, including the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana, filed a housing discrimination lawsuit in federal district court in Chicago, IL against Deutsche Bank; Deutsche Bank National Trust; Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas; Ocwen Financial Corp.; and Altisource Portfolio Solutions, Inc. Ocwen and Altisource are the servicer and property management company responsible for maintaining and marketing a large number of Deutsche Bank’s properties. Read the full release here. Review the federal complaint here.  Indianapolis Specific Data is here.
  • November 18, 2019 – Federal Court Greenlights Fair Housing Discrimination Claims Against Major Financial Services Companies: In a victory for fair housing advocates, a federal judge has largely denied Deutsche Bank Trust companies’, Altisource’s, and Ocwen’s motion to dismiss a lawsuit concerning discrimination against communities of color. The court allowed the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) and 19 other fair housing organizations, including the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana, to proceed with their disparate impact and intentional discrimination claims against the financial giants. The fair housing groups allege in their lawsuit that the financial companies failed to maintain foreclosed bank-owned (also known as Real Estate Owned or “REO”) properties in Black and Latino neighborhoods in 30 metropolitan areas throughout the country. For more info:
  • Press of Interest:

Fannie Mae: Complaint filed with HUD in May 2015 alleging discrimination in the marketing and maintenance of foreclosed properties in neighborhoods of color vs. white neighborhoods. Settlement reached in February 2022. Closed.

  • May 13, 2015 – FHCCI and 19 Civil Rights Organizations File Complaint Against Fanne Mae: Today, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) together with the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) and other private fair housing organizations across the United States accused the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) of race and national origin discrimination. In a complaint filed with the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), the civil rights groups allege that Fannie Mae fails to maintain and market bank-owned foreclosures (also known as real estate owned or REO properties) in African American and Latino neighborhoods to the same standard as in White neighborhoods, a practice that violates the federal Fair Housing Act. FHCCI Press Release     FHCCI PowerPoint     NFHA Press Release     NFHA News Conference PowerPoint     Filed HUD Complaint Documents: Part 1, Part 2, Exhibit A, Exhibit B
  • December 5, 2016 – Mortgage Giant Fannie Mae Accused of Racial Discrimination in 38 U.S. Metro Areas – National Fair Housing Alliance and 20 Civil Rights Groups File Federal Lawsuit Over Neglected Foreclosures: Today, the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) and 20 local fair housing organizations from across the United States, including the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI), filed a housing discrimination lawsuit against Fannie Mae in federal district court in San Francisco, California. The lawsuit alleges that Fannie Mae purposely fails to maintain its foreclosures (also known as real estate owned or “REO” properties) in middle- and working-class African American and Latino neighborhoods to the same level of quality it does for foreclosures it owns in white middle- and working-class neighborhoods. The data supporting the federal lawsuit, which includes substantial photographic evidence, shows a stark pattern of discriminatory conduct by Fannie Mae in the maintenance of its foreclosures. Read more below:     FHCCI Press Release     FHCCI Indianapolis Specific Information     Federal Complaint     Fannie Mae Checklist     National Fair Housing Alliance Information including national webinar slides and city breakouts
  • March 21, 2018 – Judge Advances Fair Housing Suit Against Fannie Mae: Fair housing advocates can move forward with claims that mortgage lender Fannie Mae systematically fails to maintain foreclosed properties in minority neighborhoods, a federal judge ruled Wednesday. The National Fair Housing Alliance and 20 other groups (including the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana) brought a federal complaint two years ago against the Federal National Mortgage Association, or Fannie Mae, after a four-year investigation concluded that the 68-year-old government-sponsored financier of mortgage loans violates the Fair Housing Act by neglecting foreclosed properties in communities of color. Read more here.
  • August 14, 2019 – Court Denies Fannie Mae’s Motion to Dismiss in Fair Housing Discrimination Lawsuit: Late Monday, August 12, 2019, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California largely DENIED Fannie Mae’s Motion to Dismiss a fair housing lawsuit concerning housing discrimination against communities of color. The lawsuit, brought by the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) and 20 local fair housing organizations, including the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana, charged Fannie Mae with failing to maintain foreclosed properties (also known as Real Estate Owned or “REO” properties) in Black and LatinX neighborhoods, even as Fannie Mae simultaneously was keeping foreclosed properties in predominately White communities well-maintained. The fair housing groups allege that Fannie Mae’s poor and improper maintenance policies and practices in Black and LatinX communities contributed to blight and other challenges in these areas. Read the decision or the press release here.
  • February 7, 2022 – FHCCI and Other Fair Housing Groups Reach Historic Settlement with Fannie Mae Focused on Rebuilding Communities of Color: Today, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI), along with the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) and 19 other local fair housing organizations throughout the country, reached a landmark $53 million agreement with Fannie Mae (formally known as the Federal National Mortgage Association) to resolve a case arising from allegations that Fannie Mae treated foreclosed homes in communities of color unfavorably. The settlement will help rebuild and strengthen communities of color in 39 metropolitan areas including Indianapolis. In the case, the FHCCI and the other plaintiffs alleged that Fannie Mae maintained and marketed its foreclosed homes in predominantly white neighborhoods while allowing similar homes in communities of color to fall into disrepair and that this differential treatment exacerbated the damage caused by the 2008 mortgage crisis and impeded recovery from the crisis in neighborhoods of color. The case was the first time a federal court confirmed the nation’s fair housing laws cover the maintenance and marketing of Real Estate Owned (REO) properties. To learn more, download the full FHCCI press release here. Download the press release by the National Fair Housing Alliance here. A copy of the settlement agreement is here.
  • FHCCI Community Relief: Visit the FHCCI’s Inclusive Communities Page for additional information on community relief.
  • Press of Interest:

First Financial Bank: Community benefits agreement to establish goals for lending and investments to low- and moderate-income (LMI) clients and census tracts.

First Merchants Bank: Resolves allegations of lending concerns raised by the FHCCI. Resolved in June 2019. Closed.

Freedom Mortgage/Appraisal Network/SingleSource: Complaints filed with HUD in March 2021 alleging discrimination due to race and color in the appraisal and lending process. Closed.

Grandville Cooperative, Kirkpatrick Management, et al: Complaint filed in federal court in February 2016 alleging discrimination due to disability and familial status. Settlement reached in August 2017. Closed.

  • February 8, 2016 – Fair Housing Lawsuit Alleging Disability Discrimination Filed Against Indianapolis Property: Today, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI), the Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services (IPAS), and an Indianapolis family announce the filing of a federal lawsuit against the Grandville Cooperative, Inc. and Kirkpatrick Management Co. Inc. of Indianapolis, Indiana. The complaint alleges that the defendants refused to rent to a family that included a person with disabilities stating that “…it will be a liability to offer [the person with a disability] a unit that is not accommodating to everyone in the household.” Read more:      Press Release     Federal Court Complaint
  • May 11, 2016: Second Amended Complaint filed adding in familial status discrimination claims.
  • August 29, 2017 – Settlement Reached in Fair Housing Lawsuit: Today, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) and the Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services (IPAS) announce resolution of their federal lawsuit against the Grandville Cooperative, Inc. and Kirkpatrick Management Co. Inc. of Indianapolis, Indiana. Read more here.

Halstead: Complaint filed in federal court in May 2023 alleging discrimination due to disability. Settlement reached January 2024. Closed.

Hamilton County and City of Noblesville: Complaints filed with HUD in June 2017 alleging violations of the Fair Housing Act and/or Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Resolved November 2018. Closed.

Hartford Place/CrownPointe: Complaint filed in federal court in October 2020 alleging discrimination due to disability. Settlement reached in June 2021. Closed.

  • October 23, 2020 – federal court complaint
  • July 29, 2021 – FHCCI and Resident with Disability Reach Settlement with Indiana Landlord Accused of Discrimination: Today, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) and a former Hartford City, Indiana resident with disabilities announce a settlement in a federal Fair Housing Act lawsuit against Hartford Place, L.P. and CrownPointe Communities, LLC. As part of the consent decree, defendants will pay $35,000 in monetary relief to resolve the lawsuit which alleged that the Hartford Place Apartments and its agents discriminated against persons with disabilities by adopting a mandatory “independent living” policy. To learn more, press release or Consent decree and order

Henry Long: Complaint filed in federal court in August 2020 alleging discrimination due to gender. Settlement reached in November 2020. Closed.

Herman & Kittle, Arborwood Apartments, Canterbury on Mann Apartments: Resolves allegations of disability discrimination in design and construction raised by the FHCCI. The properties deny any fault as part of the resolution. Resolved June 2018. Closed.

KeyBank: Interaction raising fair lending concerns impacting Black home seekers in Indianapolis/Marion County, Indiana (and nationwide).

Management Resources Development, Inc. (MRD): Complaint filed with HUD in February 2018 alleging discrimination due to familial status. Settlement reached in June 2019. Closed.

  • March 29, 2018 – The Fair Housing Center of Southeast and Mid Michigan and the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana have filed a familial status complaint with HUD against Management Resources Development, Inc. (MRD). According to the complaint, MRD owns and/or manages apartment complexes in a number of states, including Michigan and Indiana. The complainants allege that MRD has violated the familial status provisions of the Fair Housing Act by enforcing a strict two-person-per-bedroom occupancy policy at a number of its properties, regardless of the size of a unit’s bedrooms or other living areas, the age of the children, or any other factor. The complainants state that MRD’s occupancy policy is more restrictive than occupancy limitations imposed by local law and that its policy discriminates against and has a discriminatory impact on families with children. Review the filed complaint here.
  • June 24, 2019 – Settlement Agreement
  • August 29, 2019 – FHCCI Resolves Complaints to Ensure Housing Options for Families with Children: Today, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) announces the resolution of two fair housing complaints which will ensure fair housing opportunities for families with children. Read the full press release here.

Marquette Management & Marquette Companies: Complaint filed with HUD in January 2018 alleging discrimination due to familial status. Settlement reached in May 2019. Closed.

  • March 1, 2018 – Fair Housing Groups File Complaint Alleging Familial Status Discrimination: HOPE Fair Housing Center, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana, and a woman with three children have filed a HUD administrative complaint, alleging that Marquette Management Inc. discriminates on the basis of familial status in properties it manages in Illinois and Indiana by enforcing unduly restrictive occupancy policies. Review the filed complaint here.
  • May 23, 2019 – Settlement Agreement
  • August 29, 2019 – FHCCI Resolves Complaints to Ensure Housing Options for Families with Children: Today, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) announces the resolution of two fair housing complaints which will ensure fair housing opportunities for families with children. Read the full press release here.

Old National Bank: Complaint filed in federal court in October 2021 alleging discrimination due to race in mortgage lending. Resolved December 2021. Closed.

Pierce Education Services: Complaint filed with HUD in December 2019 alleging discrimination due to familial status. Settlement reached in August 2020. Closed. 

  • December 4, 2019 Complaint
  • September 14, 2020 – Fair Housing Groups Reach Settlement Expanding Housing Opportunities for Families with Children: Today, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI), the Fair Housing Center of West Michigan (FHCWM), the Fair Housing Project of Legal Aid of North Carolina, and the Lexington Fair Housing Council announce a conciliation agreement with Pierce Education Properties to expand fair housing opportunities for families with children. Pierce Education Properties manages a portfolio of 27 student housing complexes, encompassing approximately 5,715 individual units across 18 states. The agreement will open up access for families with children to over 12,830 rentable bedroom units. Read the full release here. Settlement Agreement here.

Pinnacle Properties Development Group: Complaint filed in federal court in November 2016 alleging discrimination due to familial status. Settlement reached in September 2017. Closed.

  • November 3, 2016 – Fair Housing Lawsuit Alleging Discrimination Against Families with Children Filed Against Jeffersonville Landlord: Today, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) and a Jeffersonville resident announce the filing of a federal lawsuit against the Pinnacle Properties Development Group, LLC of Jeffersonville, Indiana. The complaint alleges that the defendants refused to rent a two bedroom apartment to a mother with three young children due to the presence of her children. Pinnacle Properties Development Group, LLC owns and operates more than 400 rental dwellings in Clark County, Indiana. For more information:     Press Release     Federal Court Complaint
  • October 16, 2017 – FHCCI and Jeffersonville Landlord Reach Fair Housing Settlement: Today, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) and a Jeffersonville resident announce a $62,500 settlement with Pinnacle Properties Development Group LLC of Jeffersonville, Indiana to resolve allegations the company discriminated against families with children in violation of the federal Fair Housing Act. The settlement also included a change in policies, fair housing training, and other forms of affirmative relief, along with payment of plaintiff attorney fees. Pinnacle Properties Development Group LLC made no admission of liability or wrongdoing in connection with the allegations and claims made by plaintiffs and expressly denied any liability or wrongdoing. Read the full press release here. Consent decree here.
  • Press of Interest:

Progress Residential, et al: Complaint filed in federal court in November 2024 that alleges discriminatory practices against Black renters through arbitrary criminal history policies. Pending.

Property Management & Maintenance, LLC (PMM), Elwood Real Equities, Inc., Construction Management & Design, Inc., Alan R. Collins, Chris L. Collins, J.S.L. LLC, J.S.L. & Associates, David Wells, and James Lenczowski: Resolves allegations of disability discrimination in design and construction raised by the FHCCI. The properties deny any fault as part of the resolution. Resolved in June 2021. Closed.

Rainbow Realty Group, Empire Holding Corp., and James R. Hotka: Complaint filed in federal court in May 2017 alleging discrimination due to race, color, and national origin under the federal Fair Housing Act, as well as violations under the federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Truth in Lending Act, Indiana Home Loan Practices Act, and Indiana landlord-tenant laws. Resolved in March 2023. Closed.

  • May 30, 2017 – Fair Housing Lawsuit Alleging Discrimination Against Persons of Color Filed Against Indianapolis Rent-To-Own Companies: Today, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) and four Indianapolis residents announce the filing of a federal class action lawsuit against Rainbow Realty Group, Empire Holding Corp., and James R. Hotka of Indianapolis, Indiana. The complaint alleges that the Defendants violated civil rights and consumer protection laws, including the federal Fair Housing Act, the federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Truth in Lending Act, and Indiana landlord-tenant laws. The Defendants’ scheme involves almost 1,000 houses in Marion County, Indiana. More info at:    FHCCI Press Release      Federal Court Complaint     FHCCI Lending Resources (scroll to Rent-To-Own section)
  • September 22, 2017 – FHCCI Amends Complaint Against Rainbow Realty: Today, the FHCCI announces an amendment to its filed complaint against Rainbow Realty, et al to include allegations of violation of the Indiana Home Loan Practices Act. You may review the amended complaint here.
  • March 13, 2018 – Second Amended Complaint
  • March 8, 2019 – Third Amended Complaint
  • September 13, 2019 – Supreme Court grants partial victory for would-be buyers in Rainbow Realty dispute: Would-be homebuyers secured a partial victory from the Indiana Supreme Court against Rainbow Realty Group after it concluded the parties’ rent-to-buy agreement was not a land-sale contract. However, relief awarded to the tenants under Indiana’s Deceptive Consumer Sales Act was reversed. Read the full story here. Read the Indiana Supreme Court ruling here.
  • April 1, 2020 – Class Action Certified in Challenge to Predatory and Discriminatory Rent-To-Own Housing Program: On March 27, 2020, a federal court certified a class to address alleged reverse redlining and violations of consumer protection laws by Indianapolis based Rainbow Realty Group, its owner James Hotka, and associated entities. The plaintiffs allege defendants use the promise of homeownership to lure people into toxic “rent-to-own” contracts for dilapidated houses. The class goes back to 2009 and includes thousands of current and former Rainbow customers. The Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana is also a plaintiff in the lawsuit. Download the ruling and full press release.
  • April 14, 2020 – Class Action to Proceed Against Predatory and Discriminatory Rent-to-Own Housing Program: On March 27, 2020, a federal court in Indiana certified a class in a lawsuit challenging reverse redlining and violations of consumer protection laws in a rent-to-own housing program operated by Rainbow Realty Group, its owner James Hotka, and associated entities. Because defendants failed to seek immediate review in the Seventh Circuit by April 10, the case will continue in the trial court as a class action. This is a major step toward obtaining redress for thousands of households harmed by a program that held out the promise of homeownership. Read more here.
  • March 22, 2023 – Settlement of Fair Housing Lawsuit Reached Involving Indianapolis Rent-to-Own Company: Today, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) and Rainbow Realty Group, Inc. (Rainbow) announce a settlement agreement between the FHCCI, its clients, and Rainbow Realty, a real-estate brokerage firm the FHCCI challenged in a federal lawsuit for allegedly running a discriminatory rent-to-own program. For the full release or to learn more:
  • Press of Interest:

Anthony Saba: Complaint filed in federal court in November 2024 alleging discrimination due to gender. Pending.

Safeguard: Complaint filed with HUD in May 2014 alleging discrimination in the maintenance of foreclosed properties in neighborhoods of color vs. white neighborhoods. Moved to lawsuit involving Bank of America.

  • May 13, 2014 – FHCCI Files Against Safeguard: The National Fair Housing Alliance and five of its member organizations (including the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana) announced a fourth amended federal housing discrimination complaint with new evidence against Safeguard Properties. Headquartered in Ohio, Safeguard is the nation’s largest privately-held mortgage field services property preservation company, also known as a field service vendor. The company is hired by Fannie Mae and major banks to maintain and market their bank-owned, foreclosed homes (a.k.a. REO properties). For more information on the case, go to:   Press Release     Filed Fair Housing Complaint

The Sexton Companies, et al: Complaint filed in federal court in March 2022 alleging housing discrimination due to familial status. Pending.

Shiloh Estates: Complaint filed in federal court in May 2015 alleging housing discrimination due to race, color, national origin, disability, and familial status. Resolved August 2017. Closed.

  • May 27, 2015 – FHCCI Files Discrimination Complaint Against Indianapolis Mobile Home Community: Today, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) announced that it has filed a lawsuit against Shiloh Estates, a mobile home community located on the East Side of Indianapolis, alleging discrimination against African-Americans, Latinos, families with children, and people with disabilities. The suit follows a years-long investigation by the FHCCI and alleges that Shiloh Estates; its owner and management company, Colorado-based FR Community; and its former manager, Pamela Ziemer, engaged in unlawful discrimination against current and former tenants on the basis of race, color, national origin, familial status, and disability. For more information: FHCCI Press Release      Filed Federal Complaint
  • July 26, 2017 – Motion to Dismiss Ruling
  • August 21, 2017 – Settlement Reached in Indianapolis Fair Housing Lawsuit: Today, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) and an Indianapolis family announce resolution of their federal lawsuit against Shiloh Estates. The complaint alleged that the defendants engaged in unlawful discrimination against tenants on the basis of race, color, national origin, familial status, and disability. Read more here.
  • Press of Interest:

Smitley Family Trust: Complaint filed in federal court in April 2016 alleging discrimination due to disability and familial status. Judicial Ruling and then resolved April 2019. Closed.

  • ICRC Charge 1 and Charge 2
  • April 19, 2016 – Filed Federal Complaint
  • July 11, 2018 – Federal Judge Orders Marion County Landlord to Pay Over $200,000 in Fair Housing Lawsuit:Today, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) announces a ruling in a fair housing case addressing disability and familial status discrimination by an Indianapolis landlord. The FHCCI and Carolyn McGuffin, represented by attorneys from Indiana Disability Rights and Brancart & Brancart, previously filed a lawsuit against Carolyn Smitley and the Smitley Family Trust in April 2016 alleging that the Defendants discriminated against Ms. McGuffin in violation of the federal Fair Housing Act. Last week, on July 3, 2018, Judge William T. Lawrence in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana entered judgment requiring the Defendants to pay $219,747.75 as a result of the discrimination. To read more:    Press Release      Court Ruling       Previously Filed Complaint
  • Press of Interest:

TGM Associates: Complaint filed with HUD in November 2014 alleging discrimination against families with children through restrictive occupancy standards. Settlement reached in September 2015. Closed.

  • November 12, 2014 – Fair Housing Groups File Familial Status Discrimination Complaint: The Connecticut Fair Housing Center (CFHC), the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI), and the Miami Valley Fair Housing Center (MVFHC) announce that they have filed a fair housing complaint against TGM Associates, a New York-based property management company that owns and operates apartment complexes throughout the United States. The groups allege that TGM has engaged in systemic discrimination against families with children across five properties evaluated in three states. Read more:  Press Release     HUD Complaint-Part 1    HUD Complaint-Part 2
  • September 8, 2015 – Fair Housing Groups Reach Settlement: Today, the Connecticut Fair Housing Center (CFHC), the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI), and the Miami Valley Fair Housing Center (MVFHC) announce that they have settled a fair housing complaint against TGM Associates, a New York-based property management company that owns and operates apartment complexes throughout the United States. Read more:    Press Release    Settlement Document

Tricon Residential, et al: Complaint filed in federal court in November 2024 that alleges discriminatory practices against Black renters through arbitrary criminal history policies and maintains policies that automatically deny housing to applicants with certain criminal or eviction histories. Pending.

Twin Creeks Homeowners Association, Kirkpatrick Property Management, and Vicki New: Complaints filed with HUD/ICRC in April 2019 and federal court in April 2020 alleging discrimination due to race, color, and national origin. Settlement reached in March 2022 (Twin Creeks Homeowners Association/Kirkpatrick Property Management) and default judgment issued in June 2022 (New). Closed.

U.S. Bank: Complaint filed with HUD in October 2013 alleging discrimination in the marketing and maintenance of foreclosed properties in neighborhoods of color vs. white neighborhoods. Closed.

  • October 15, 2013 – FHCCI Joins National Fair Housing Complaint Against U.S. Bank: Today, the National Fair Housing Alliance and six of its member organizations, including the FHCCI, announced that they have amended their federal housing discrimination complaint against U.S. Bank National Association. The civil rights groups allege that U.S. Bank continues to maintain and market foreclosed homes in white neighborhoods in a much better manner than in African-American and Latino neighborhoods. Failing to maintain and market homes because of the racial or ethnic composition of the neighborhood violates the federal Fair Housing Act. For more information on the case, go to:     Press Release     Press Conference Webinar     Filed Complaint

Van Rooy: Complaint filed with HUD in September 2022 alleging discrimination due to disability. Settlement reached in October 2023. Closed.

  • September 12, 20222 – HUD complaints
  • October 27, 2023 – Fair Housing Groups Announce Increased Disability Access Across Van Rooy Properties: Today, the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI), the Fair Housing Center of West Michigan (FHCWM), and Van Rooy Properties, Inc. (Van Rooy) announce Van Rooy’s agreement and commitment to expand efforts to ensure fair housing opportunities for the d/Deaf and hard of hearing community. Van Rooy manages a portfolio of 70+ properties, including 10,000+ units across Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Florida, Kentucky, and Missouri. Full release here.

Wells Fargo: Complaint filed with HUD alleging discrimination in the maintenance of foreclosed properties in neighborhoods of color vs. white neighborhoods. Settlement reached in June 2013. Closed.

  • June 6, 2013 – Fair Housing Groups Announce Fair Housing Settlement with Wells Fargo to Address Maintenance of Foreclosed Properties:Indianapolis neighborhoods of color will receive $1.42m in community relief from a national fair housing settlement announced today. This settlement is the first of its kind and the result of work by the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana and its partners in a filed fair housing complaint which alleged that Wells Fargo’s REO (Real Estate Owned or foreclosed) properties in white areas were much better maintained and marketed by Wells Fargo than REO properties in Indianapolis African-American and Latino neighborhoods. For more information on the case or the settlement, see the press releases below:     FHCCI Press Release     HUD Press Release     NFHA Press Release     Grant Program Info
  • August 29, 2016 – Investing in Inconclusive Communities Report Released: Today, the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) released a new report entitled “Investing in Inclusive Communities: How Fair Housing Organizations Foster Diverse and Stable Neighborhoods Using the Federal Fair Housing Act.” This report provides a detailed overview of how 14 fair housing centers, including the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana, invested $27 million in predominantly African American and Latino communities following an agreement with Wells Fargo Bank in 2013. The publication contains information on the major strategies employed in the 19 cities where community support grants were invested. It includes stories of grantees and families in the community and provides best practices for future community investment endeavors. Read the report here.
  • FHCCI Community Relief: Visit the FHCCI’s Inclusive Communities Page for additional information on community relief.

Woodruff Place: Complaint filed with HUD in September 2023 alleging discrimination due to familial status and disability. Settlement reached in September 2024. Closed.