(CN) - A landlord wrongfully refused to accept federal vouchers as rent payments, a federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., ruled.
BSA Limited Partnership tried to sell its apartment building to a third party, so it gradually tried to phase out its residents, many of whom received federal housing subsidies.
Bridgette Feemster and other tenant claimed violations of federal housing laws and the D.C. Human Rights Act when BSA refused to honor their vouchers.
The D.C. Circuit affirmed the district court's summary judgment in favor of the tenants, while acknowledging that BSA can terminate the leases with just cause under D.C. law.
"One thing that BSA may not do," Judge Garland wrote, "is to refuse to accept payment by voucher and then contend that eviction is warranted for non-payment of rent.
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