Tonge v. Housing Auth. of Bardstown

No. CV 95-88-L-H (W.D. Ky. filed May 31, 1995) ; Clearinghouse Number: 50721

Description

Public Housing Authority Agrees to Give Applicants Specific Reasons for Denial and More Time to File Appeals

Abstract

The parties have settled this class action brought by plaintiff public housing applicants to challenge defendant public housing authority’s practices in determining applicants’ eligibility for assistance. Plaintiffs alleged that defendant wrongfully required excess verification from applicants before processing their applications, failed to decide on applications and notify applicants promptly, failed to investigate applications adequately and to consider applicants’ present ability to meet rental obligations, failed to give legally adequate notice of the reasons for denials, and refused to grant applicants a hearing unless requested within five business days. After a hearing on plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction, the parties entered into settlement negotiations. Under the terms of the settlement, defendant agreed to expand the time period for applicants to appeal denials from five to fourteen days. In addition, defendant agreed to state more specific grounds for denial in its written notice to denied applicants. Finally, defendant agreed to consider factors that might indicate a reasonable probability of favorable future conduct or financial prospects following the receipt of unfavorable information about an applicant. The parties have published notice to the class of the settlement and have separately moved the court for its approval.

Additional Information

Attorney Information
Plaintiffs represented by Ellen Friedman, Shelley Santry, Legal Aid Society, 425 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd., Louisville, KY 40202, (502) 584-1254.
Docket Date
1995-05-31 00:00:00+00:00