United States v. Smolnik (W.D. Mo.)

On September 1, 2021, the court entered a consent order in United States v. Smolnik (W.D. Mo.).  The complaint, which was filed on October 30, 2020, alleges that the owners and managers of a 15-lot mobile home park in West Plains, Missouri discriminated on the basis of disability by requiring a pet deposit for the complainants’ assistance animal and verbally harassing the complainants, brandishing a gun, and physically attacking one of the complainants.  The consent order requires the defendants to pay $40,000 to the HUD complainants, attend fair housing training, and submit to other standard injunctive relief.  The case was referred to the Division after the Department of Housing and Urban Development received a complaint, conducted an investigation, and issued a charge of discrimination.