Homeowners and agent charged with housing discrimination

Minnesota homeowners and their real-estate agent have been charged by HUD with discrimination for refusing to rent thjeir house to a family because of race, national origin and their minor children. HUD’s charge alleges that the owners refused to rent a 7,000 square foot, six-bedroom, house to a family of four adults and seven children because of their race (Native American) and national origin (Hispanic), and because the family has minor children. The charge further alleges that the owner and real-estate agent discouraged the family from renting the home by offering them less favorable rental terms, including increasing the rent by $1,000. After being denied the home, the family had to split up and live in separate residences.