On December 8, 2022, with Dechert’s pro bono assistance, The Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania (“HEC”) filed a charge against Pro-Managed LLC, one of Philadelphia’s largest landlords for low-income tenants, with the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (“PCHR”) for violating the Philadelphia Fair Practices Ordinance (“FPO”), which prohibits discrimination based on source of income, including housing assistance programs.
HEC and Dechert also filed a complaint against Pro-Managed LLC in the federal District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania alleging that Pro-Managed’s policy and practice of refusing to accept Housing Choice Vouchers (also known as “Section 8 Vouchers”) in predominantly white neighborhoods while advertising that they accept them in majority Black neighborhoods disparately treats and disparately impacts prospective Black renters in violation of the Fair Housing Act (“FHA”).
Almost immediately after HEC filed its charge and complaint, the parties reached a settlement agreement to address the concerns raised by HEC and issued a joint statement regarding the amicable resolution.
As part of the settlement, the parties agreed to submit a consent order to the Court requiring Pro-Managed to advertise that they accept and encourage the use of Housing Choice Vouchers at all of their rental portfolio properties. They also agreed to adopt written policies regarding compliance with applicable federal and local fair housing laws and to receive training from HEC on the FPO and FHA. The consent order provides lasting protection for Philadelphia renters into the future.
The Dechert pro bono litigation team assisting HEC and Public Interest Law Center was led by partner Steven Bizar with assistance from associates Thomas Miller and David Costigan.
Dechert is committed to providing pro bono legal services to individuals and organizations who cannot otherwise afford legal counsel. This commitment exists in all of Dechert’s 21 offices in the United States and internationally. Each year, the firm handles hundreds of pro bono matters, covering a broad range of issues, including civil rights, international human rights, child advocacy, veterans, prisoner civil rights, landlord tenant, access to public benefits, immigration, criminal law and the representation of nonprofits, small businesses and social enterprises. This year, Dechert was again ranked by The American Lawyer among the ten top firms for pro bono both in the United States and internationally.
Original source can be found here.