United States v. Westview Park Apartments, L.P. (D. Minn.)

On April 6, 2018, the United States Attorney’s Office entered into a settlement agreement resolving the allegations in United States v. Westview Park Apartments, L.P. (D. Minn.). The complaint in this election case, which was filed on November 15, 2017, alleges that the owners and property managers of an apartment complex in West St. Paul, Minnesota violated the Fair Housing Act on the basis of disability by refusing to allow a veteran with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to live with his emotional assistance dog. Additional defendants include: James Tilsen, Tilsenbilt Homes, LLC and Deborah Brookins. The settlement agreement requires the defendants to pay $15,000 to the tenant, adopt a new reasonable accommodation policy, conduct fair housing training, and report to the United States on future denials of requests for assistance animals.   The case was referred to the Division after the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) received a complaint, conducted an investigation, and issued a charge of discrimination.