H.U.D. Settlement Spurs Berlin To Include Domestic Violence Exception In Eviction Ordinance

The city of Berlin, New Hampshire, and the federal 
government have settled claims that the city violated the Fair Housing Act by requiring landlords to evict tenants cited several times for ``disorderly 
action,'' including domestic violence incidents. 
 
 The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development says the agreement is the 
result of a complaint it initiated accusing the city of discriminating against women. It said a city ordinance on evictions made no exception for victims of 
domestic violence, who are overwhelmingly women and who needed police assistance.
 
 The Fair Housing Act makes it unlawful to evict an individual because of race, 
color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or familial status.  
 
 Under the agreement, Berlin will amend the ordinance, saying it won't be used 
against domestic violence victims.