Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb today announced a settlement with local landlord Portico Investments LLC (Portico) for allegedly violating DC law requiring landlords to treat all tenants equally, regardless of the source of funds they use to pay their rent. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) investigated Portico for discriminating against tenants seeking to use certain types of housing subsidies—including rapid re-housing vouchers—by setting higher income requirements for these tenants than for others. Portico cooperated with OAG’s investigation and changed its discriminatory policy and practices. Under the terms of a settlement agreement, Portico will pay $10,000 in penalties to the District, provide annual fair housing training to its workers, and report its compliance to OAG for the next two years.
“It is already too hard to find an affordable place to live in DC, and no one should face discrimination when looking for a home,” said Attorney General Schwalb. “Landlords are legally required to treat all prospective tenants fairly and equally, regardless of how they intend to pay their rent. My office will continue to hold landlords accountable when they discriminate against prospective tenants based on their source of income.”