Landlord Sued by Justice Department

The Justice Department on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against a Summerville landlord for violating the Fair Housing Act by discriminating against families with children. 

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, alleges that John Wingard Altman, through published advertisements and statements to testers, maintains a policy or practice of discouraging families with children from living in the apartment complex he owns, , located at 1211 Central Ave.

The allegations are based on evidence generated by the department’s Fair Housing Testing Program, in which individuals pose as renters to gather information about possible discriminatory practices. 

"Housing discrimination against families with children has been illegal for more than 20 years, but it remains a persistent problem," said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. "The Justice Department will continue its vigorous enforcement of fair housing laws that protect the rights of families with children." 

The lawsuit seeks a court order prohibiting future discrimination by the defendant, monetary damages for those harmed by the defendant’s actions and a civil penalty. Individuals who may have information related to this lawsuit should contact the Justice Department toll-free at 1-800-896-7743, mailbox number 9998, or e-mail the Justice Department. 

The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin and disability.  More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available here.