Tenants File Class-Action Lawsuit Against Mac Properties for Housing Discrimination

A recent lawsuit has been filed against Mac Properties, accusing them of discriminating against renters who hold housing choice vouchers. This lawsuit, filed in federal court, claims that Mac Properties has been turning away prospective renters who use vouchers for federal income-based rent assistance. Specifically, the lawsuit alleges that Mac Properties has been refusing to provide tours or allow applications for apartments in desirable Hyde Park locations to voucher holders.

In the complaint, four Black mothers who hold vouchers claim that they were denied access to tour or apply for rentals in newly renovated high-rise buildings managed by Mac. Instead, they were directed towards older, low-rise properties with fewer amenities, primarily located along the western edge of the neighborhood. Mac Properties is known for maintaining one of the largest housing portfolios in Hyde Park.

This class-action lawsuit speaks to the experiences of these voucher holders who feel they were unfairly treated in their search for housing. It will be interesting to see how this case progresses through the federal court system.