US Attorney Files Fair Housing Suit Over Condo Rules Restricting Kids' Play
Contending that a Massachusetts condominium association violated fair housing law by restricting children’s play activities in outdoor common areas, the local U.S. attorney has filed a federal lawsuit against Stonecleave Village in Methuen and its property managers.
The suit claims they violated federal law that prohibits discrimination against families with children by selectively enforcing rules and retaliating against those who complained, reports the Boston Globe. Among other allegations, the suit says the association improperly assessed legal fees against the families of children who violated play rules, while permitting adults to use common areas without objection.
The defendants, through their lawyer, deny the allegations, the newspaper reports:
“Stonecleave Village is a democracy and, like other condominiums, is governed by rules,’’ says attorney Joshua Walls in a written statement. “The individuals who choose to live in condominiums specifically agree to abide by condominium rules.’’
