United States v Juliet Payseur (D. N.J.)

On July 9, 2025, the United States entered into a settlement agreement in United States v. Payseur (D.N.J.).  The Fair Housing Act “election” complaint, which was filed on January 15, 2025, alleges that the defendants—Juliet Payseur and 20-22 McGregor Avenue, LLC—discriminated against a Black tenant based on race in violation of the Fair Housing Act. Specifically, the complaint alleges that the landlord demanded higher rent and other less favorable lease terms from the tenant than a similarly situated White tenant; and that the landlord retaliated against the tenant after she reported this discrimination. The complainant has moved to intervene in the lawsuit, and the settlement agreement resolves the United States’ claims against the defendants. The settlement agreement prevents the defendants from future discrimination on the basis of race and/or color under the Fair Housing Act; bars Ms. Payseur from personally performing property management responsibilities at, or contacting tenants of, defendants’ residential rental properties; and imposes requirements for Fair Housing Act training, nondiscrimination policies, and advertising. The case was referred to the Division after the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development received a complaint, conducted an investigation, and issued a charge of discrimination.