Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) has ordered Tunic Group, LLC to pay $120,802 in a housing discrimination case, including $60,000 in emotional distress damages, to the complainant.
The PHRC determined Tunic Group, LLC, discriminated against the complainant based on the complainant’s disability by denying a request for the following reasonable accommodations:
- transfer to an “A-level” apartment.
- a reserved handicapped-accessible parking space.
- enforcement of Tunic Group, LLC’s anti-dumping policies or implementation of remedial measures that would have permitted the complainant full functional use of a reserved accessible parking space.
- a functional intercom system.
"At the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, we are committed to ensuring that every individual has equal access to housing and the accommodations they need to live with dignity and respect,” PHRC Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW. “The PHRC’s order in this case sends a clear message that discrimination based on disability will not be tolerated in Pennsylvania. We stand firm in our mission to protect the rights of all residents, and we will continue to hold individuals and companies accountable for their actions when they violate those rights."
A public hearing was held virtually on April 17 and 18, 2024. The complainant was represented by Obinna Abara, Esq.; Tunic Group, LLC was represented by Andrew J. Feltzin, Esq.; and PHRC Assistant Chief Counsel Stephanie Chapman represented the Commonwealth’s interest.
In its January 27 final order, the Commission ordered Tunic Group, LLC to:
- cease and desist from denying reasonable accommodations to tenants who require them due to their disability.
- complete Fair Housing training within 60 days.
- create and implement a written policy regarding discrimination and require fair housing compliance training for staff.
- pay the complainant a lump sum of $120,802.
- pay the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania a civil penalty of $5,000 within 60 days.
- report to the PHRC within 60 days on how it will comply with the order.
"The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission’s decision in this case underscores our commitment to enforcing the fair housing laws that protect people with disabilities,” said PHRC Chief Counsel Sandra Crawford, Esq. “Discriminatory practices that deny necessary accommodations undermine the very principles of equity and accessibility that our Commonwealth stands for. We will continue to advocate for the rights of individuals to live in housing that meets their needs and to hold accountable those who fail to comply with the law."
In 2024, the PHRC approved guidance on emotional distress damages for housing and commercial property discrimination cases. The guidance provides clarity to all Pennsylvanians regarding how the PHRC will evaluate damages resulting from discrimination in housing and/or commercial property for humiliation and embarrassment. This guidance also clarifies the PHRC’s assessment of civil penalties.
The PHRC, the state’s civil rights enforcement agency, urges anyone who has experienced acts of discrimination to file a complaint by calling 717-787-4410. Information and resources are also available on the PHRC website. Follow the PHRC on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and subscribe to our monthly newsletter.
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