INDIANAPOLIS - Jamal L. Smith, in his official capacity as the Executive Director of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC), issued a notice of finding and issuance of charge against Pedcor Management in Indianapolis, Ind. The charge states there is reasonable cause to believe that an unlawful discriminatory practice occurred in a property they operate in violation of the Indiana Fair Housing Act (Ind. Code § 22-9.5, et seq.) and the Indiana Civil Rights Law (Ind. Code § 22-9, et seq.)
During the course of the Complainant’s tenancy with Respondent at the Lakes of Georgetown Apartments in Indianapolis, Ind., he developed an impairment that necessitated the need for a reserved parking space and a first floor apartment. While Respondent has provided the parking space and permitted Complainant to transfer to a first floor unit since the filing of the Complaint, Respondent has refused to waive or enter into an interactive dialogue regarding the deposit fee required of tenants who desire to transfer to another apartment.
Despite Respondent’s claim, its failure to waive the deposit fee or enter into an interactive dialogue regarding the deposit fee constitutes a discriminatory practice. As such and based upon the additional evidence gathered in the investigation, reasonable cause exists to believe that a violation of the aforementioned laws occurred as alleged.
A public hearing is necessary to determine whether a violation of the Indiana Fair Housing Act and the Indiana Civil Rights Law occurred. As permitted by 910 IAC 2-6-6(h), Respondents, Complainant, or an aggrieved person on whose behalf the Complaint is filed may elect to have the claims asserted in a civil action under Ind. Code § 22-9.5-6-12 in lieu of an administrative proceeding.
The Indiana Civil Rights Commission enforces the Indiana civil rights laws and provides education and services to the public in an effort to ensure equal opportunity for all Hoosiers and visitors to the State of Indiana.