Anoka Accused Of Discriminating Against Tenants With 'Crime Free' Housing: Authorities

ANOKA, MN — The city of Anoka is accused of breaking multiple laws by denying tenants with mental health disabilities equal opportunity to receive emergency assistance, according to federal authorities.

Anoka violated the Americans with Disabilities and Fair Housing acts through its “crime-free” housing program, authorities said. The city discouraged and prevented tenants and landlords from using emergency response services for fear of eviction, fines or loss of rental license, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

City housing policy allowed Anoka to penalize landlords for “nuisance” calls such as those for disorderly conduct or repeated unfounded requests for police, allowing the city to issue fines and revoke a landlord’s license if the property owner did not pursue eviction after the calls, authorities said.

Anoka also sent licensed landlords weekly reports detailing calls for emergency service from all rental properties, according to the department. The reports included the names of those involved and often revealed information about people’s mental health diagnoses, medications, care providers and, in some cases, suicide attempts, authorities said.

“This scheme is cloaked as a public safety measure but in reality it callously targets people with disabilities and their loved ones by penalizing them simply for reaching out for emergency assistance in times of need,” Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, of the justice department's Civil Rights Division, said in a news release.

The department is asking the city to change its policies and procedures, designate an ADA coordinator and train staff.