410.929.7640

GREATER BALTIMORE

COMMUNITY HOUSING

RESOURCE BOARD

 

 

 

   
 

A SELF-HELP GUIDE to HOUSING in SOMERSET COUNTY

by

GREATER BALTIMORE COMMUNITY HOUSING RESOURCE BOARD, INC.

P. O. Box 66180, Baltimore, Maryland 21239

&

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

100 Community Place, Crownsville, Maryland 21032

800.756.0119

Copyright, 2003

*****

TABLE OF CONTENTS



INFORMATION ABOUT HOUSING

Buying Housing. Rental Apartments Listings. Affordable Housing. Homeless Services. General Resources.

WHAT IS THE HOUSING DISCRIMINATION LAW?

Unlawful Housing Acts. Exemptions from the Law. Commonly-Asked Questions.

HOW TO FILE A HOUSING DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT

Options. Filing with the State of Maryland. Filing with HUD.

FAIR HOUSING LAW REGARDING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Definition of "Disability. Overview of the Relevant Laws. Prohibited Discriminatory Actions.

Requirements for New Buildings. Commonly-Asked Questions.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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INFORMATION ABOUT HOUSING

BUYING HOUSING

  • Someone thinking about buying should receive housing counseling from a reputable housing counseling agency. For a list of free counseling agencies, telephone the Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development at 800.756.0119.
  • It is recommended that a Realtor® be utilized for the house buying process. Contact the Mid-Shore Board of Realtors, 8615 Commerce Drive, Easton 21601, at 410.822.8767.
  • A house inspection by an impartial, licensed housing inspector should be done as part of the purchase agreement to buy the house / home / condominium.

RENTAL APARTMENTS LISTINGS

B & L Apartments
12064 Elm Street, Princess Anne 21853

Clark Manor Apartments - 410-957-4160
Pocomoke City 21851

Greenwood Garden Apartments - 410-651-2539
Stewart Neck Road, Princess Anne 21853

Princess Anne Townhouses - 410-651-1264
Princess Anne 21853

Princess Anne Villas - 410-651-3241
Maple Lane & Route 675, Princess Anne 21853

Somerset Meadows - 410-651-9500
Old Westover Road, Princess Anne 21853

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Eastern Shore Regional Housing Assistance Office, Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development
738 Cambridge Plaza, Cambridge 21613 800-445-4340

Habitat for Humanity, Lower Shore
Builds & rehabs affordable homes.
P. O. Box 107, Salisbury 21803 410-546-1551

Shore Up!
Housing counseling & development.
520 Snow Hill Road, Salisbury 21804 410-749-1142

HOMELESS & EMERGENCY SHELTER SERVICES

Christian Shelter Inc.
326 Barclay Street, Salisbury 21801
410-749-5673

First Call for Help
Statewide 24-hour Hot Line. Referrals & information. 1-800-492-0618 / TTY 410-685-2159

Joseph House Crisis Center
Food, counseling, assistance:
812 Boundary Street, Salisbury, Maryland 21802 410-749-4239
Transitional shelter: 1001 Lake Street, Salisbury 21801 410-860-4803

Life Crisis Center
For victims of domestic violence or sexual assault.
P. O. Box 387, Salisbury 21801 410-749-HELP- 24-hour Hot Line

Lower Shore Coalition for the Homeless
Referrals, assistance, counseling.
1001 Lake Street, Salisbury 21801 410-742-8500

Samaritan Shelter - Emergency shelter & meals.
P. O. B. 661, 814 Fourth St. Pocomoke City 21851 410-957-4310

Somerset County Department of Social Services
Referrals to shelters, benefits, counseling. Homelessness Prevention Program.
30397 Mt. Vernon Road, Princess Anne 21853 410-677-4200 / 911 after hours.

Somerset County Health Department
Medical assistance, child care, WIC.
7920 Crisfield Highway, Westover 21871 410-651-5600

DISABILITY

Alliance for the Mentally Ill of the Lower Eastern Shore
Assistance in finding housing.
30402 Pine Street, Princess Anne 21853 410-651-1817

Clark Manor Cottagesbr>Pocomoke City 410-957-4160

Eastern Shore Center for Independent Living
Services & assistance for people with disabilities.
404-A LeCompte Street, Cambridge 21613 410-221-7701

Governor's Office for Individuals with Disabilities
Referral services, information.
1 Market Center, Baltimore 21202 800-637-4113

Maryland RELAY
Telephone assistance for persons with a hearing or a speech disability.
711

Mid-Shore Mental Health Systems, Inc.
P. O. Box 800, Cambridge 21613 410-221-2531


GENERAL RESOURCES

American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland's Eastern Shore
Civil rights cases.
100 North Liberty Street, Centreville 21617 410-758-1975

Asociacion Cultural Hispano Americana del Eastern Shore
705 Carmelia Road. Salisbury 21804

Baltimore Neighborhoods, Inc. - Tenant-Landlord Counseling
800-487-6007

Catholic Charities Seton Center
Counseling.
Hampden Avenue, Princess Anne 21853 410-651-9608

Coastal Counties C. H. R. B.
Fair Housing education & advocacy.
P. O. Box 971, Salisbury 21801 800-652-6312 / 410-524-5685

Greater Baltimore C. H. R. B.
Free Fair Housing brochures, self-help guides, posters. 410.929.7640

Legal Aid Bureau of the Lower Eastern Shore
Free legal assistance to income-eligible persons.
111 High Street, Salisbury 21803 410-546-5511

Legal Forms Helpline - Women's Law Center of Maryland, Inc.
800-818-9888

Maryland Legal Line
To hear audio tapes on legal aspects of various subjects. 800-638-8862

Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service
Free legal assistance. 800-510-0050

Three Lower Counties Community Services, Inc.
12137 Elm Street, Princess Anne 21853 410-651-1000

*****

WHAT IS THE HOUSING DISCRIMINATION LAW?

Unlawful Housing Acts

Title 14, Subtitle 03, Chapter 4 (14.03.04) of the Code of Maryland Regulations prohibits housing discrimination in the State based on:

  • Color
  • Race
  • Sex
  • Age
  • National Origin
  • Marital Status
  • Religion
  • Mental Disability
  • Physical Disability
  • Familial Status
  • Sexual Orientation
  • Specifically, it is against the law to:

    (1) Refuse to sell or rent a dwelling after a bona fide offer is made.

    (2) Make any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on the above classes.

    (3) Tell a person that a dwelling is not available when it is in fact available.

    (4) Impose different sales prices or rental charges for a dwelling.

    (5) Use different qualification criteria, applications, standards, or procedures - such as income standards, application requirements, credit analysis, or approval procedures.

    (6) Deny or limit services or facilities.

    (7) Have different terms, conditions, or privileges, relating to dwelling sale or rental.

    (8) Fail to or delay to process an offer for dwelling sale or rental.

    (9) Discourage or obstruct housing choice by community, neighborhood, or development.

    (10) Assign a person to a particular section of a community, neighborhood, or development - or to a particular floor of a building.

     

    Exemptions from the Law

    These types of housing are exempt from the Fair Housing Law:

    • Rooms/units in owner-occupied dwellings for five or fewer families living independently.
    • Rental or sale of a single-family home by an owner who does not own more than three houses, who has not sold a house within one year, and who has not used a broker or agent to rent the house.
    • Housing that is specifically operated for persons of one religious organization.
    • Rooms in any dwelling if the owner uses this as his/her principal residence.

    Commonly-asked Questions about the Law

    Does the Law Cover Condominiums? - Yes.

    Does the Law apply to buildings built with Federal funds? - Yes. The Act prohibits housing discrimination in both public and private housing, regardless of whether the housing provider used Federal funds.

    Can a landlord ask about the usage of birth control devices? - No.

    *****

    HOW TO FILE A HOUSING DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT

    Options

    A person who feels that they are a victim of housing discrimination may file a complaint with the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) or with the U. S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). A person simultaneously may file a complaint with the State and with HUD.

    Steps in Maryland's Discrimination Complaint Process

    The first step in filing a housing discrimination complaint is to contact the MCCR. Someone who feels that s/he is the victim of housing discrimination (called the "Complainant") may either telephone or write the MCCR within one year of the incident. The MCCR's telephone numbers are: 800-637-6247 or 410-548-3243, the branch at the Salisbury Multi-Purpose Center. The Eastern Shore branch is located at the Salisbury Multi-Purpose Center, 201 Baptist Street, Suite 33, Salisbury, Maryland 21801. The TDD number is 410-333-1737.

    Upon contact, the MCCR staffer will set up an appointment with the Complainant to obtain more information about the complaint.

    Investigating the Complaint

    As soon as MCCR obtains all the information about the incident from the Complainant, it contacts and gets relevant information from the person who is the subject of the complaint (called the "Respondent"). The MCCR makes this fact-finding process as quickly as possible. This process is quickened if the situation demands immediate action (e.g., the Complainant is subject to immediate threat or harm). The MCCR will inform the Complainant and the Respondent in writing of its decision of whether discrimination has occurred, and it then will enforce corrective remedies.

    Legal Penalties and Remedies

    The MCCR can order a Respondent to make a financial payment and/or many other actions to remedy a proven discrimination problem. For example, it can issue a temporary restraining order to keep a housing unit on the market in certain circumstances. The MCCR's administrative penalties can be very costly to the person or company adjudged to be guilty of housing discrimination:

  • $10,000 fine, if the person/company has committed one prior discriminatory practice.
  • $25,000 fine, if the person/company has committed one prior discriminatory practice within the past 5 years.
  • $50,000 fine, if the person/company has committed two or more prior discriminatory practices within the past 7 years.
  • The MCCR also can negotiate other remedies as agreed between its legal counsel, the Complainant, and the Respondent. These may include actual damages and "equitable relief" in addition to the monetary fine.

    It is Against the Law to Retaliate

    The State of Maryland is committed to ensuring that a person who makes a complaint or who supports a complaint by another not be the victim of retaliation. It is illegal to retaliate against a Complainant or someone who aids that person. The State, therefore, will prosecute immediately such action if it does occur.

    It is Against the Law to Intimidate

    It also is illegal to threaten or intimidate someone who has filed a discrimination complaint. For example, it is illegal to:

  • Threaten an employee with dismissal because of filing a complaint.
  • Intimidate or threaten someone who has won a discrimination complaint.
  • Harass someone who has assisted another in filing a discrimination complaint.
  • For example, it is illegal to threaten someone with bodily harm who has filed a discrimination complaint. Harassing that person, by swearing and physical threats, is against the law.

    Filing a Complaint with HUD

    The U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is also ready to help with housing discrimination. The Federal bases for Fair Housing complaints are less than those of the State. The federal Act forbids housing discrimination on the basis of:

  • Race
  • Color
  • National Origin
  • Religion
  • Sex
  • Familial Status
  • Physical Disability
  • Mental Disability
  • HUD's complaint process is very similar to that of the State. You can either:

    • Write HUD a letter to: Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street, S. W., Room 5204, Washington, D. C. 20410-2000
    • Telephone the Maryland HUD Office during regular business workdays (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) at 410-962-2520.
    • Telephone the HUD toll-free telephone hot-line at 800-669-9777.

    Appropriate assistance also is available for persons with disabilities. A complaint should be filed as soon as possible, but within one year of its occurrence.

    For persons with disabilities, HUD also provides:

  • TDD line for hearing-impaired: 410-962-0106.
  • Toll-free TDD line: 800-927-9275.
  • Interpreters; Tapes and Braille materials.
  • Assistance in reading and completing forms.
  • *****

    HOUSING DISCRIMINATION LAW FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES


    Definition of "Disability"

    Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Section 794) and the Fair Housing Act, as amended in 1988 by the Fair Housing Amendments Act (42 U.S.C. Section 3601 et. seq.) define an individual with disabilities (or handicaps) as:

    " Any person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment."

    These conditions are considered as disabilities under the Law:

  • Cerebral palsy.
  • Autism.
  • Epilepsy.
  • Muscular dystrophy.
  • Multiple sclerosis.
  • Cancer.
  • Heart disease.
  • Diabetes.
  • Alcoholism.
  • Mental retardation.
  • Emotional illness.
  • Drug addiction.
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection.
  • Orthopedic, visual, speech, and hearing impairments.
  • Overview of the Relevant Laws

    Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4151) - This Act provides for the removal of architectural barriers from all Federally constructed, leased, or financed buildings.

    Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794) - The Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination, in Federally assisted and conducted programs, against otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities. Section 504 - and HUD's regulations - provide for complaint procedures regarding housing discrimination on the basis of disability. Complaint treatment parallels that for other (e.g., racial) discriminatory allegations.

    Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (42 U.S.C. 3601) - This Act significantly revised and expanded Fair Housing rights. See below for listing of discriminatory actions.

    Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 - This Federal Act prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in private sector employment, all public services, public accommodations, and telecommunications. For more information, please contact the Maryland Commission on Human Relations Commission (800-637-6247).

    *****

    Prohibited Discriminatory Actions

    (a) To refuse to permit, at the request of a person with disabilities, reasonable modifications if necessary to allow this person full usage of the dwelling.

    (b) To construct a new housing complex that does not include accessible structure and design standards.

    (c) To refuse to make reasonable accommodation in rules, policies, services, or practices, when necessary to allow a person with disabilities an equal opportunity to use and enjoy the housing. Some examples are:

    A building with a "no pets" policy must allow a visually-impaired tenant to keep a guide dog.

    An apartment complex that offers tenants ample, unassigned parking must honor a request from a mobility-impaired tenant for a reserved space near his/her apartment, if necessary to assure that he/she can have access to the apartment.

    Requirements for New Buildings

    In buildings that were ready for first occupancy after March 13, 1991, and have an elevator and four or more units:

    (1) Public and common areas must be accessible to persons with disabilities.

    (2) Doors and hallways must be wide enough for wheelchairs.

    (3) All units must have:

  • An accessible route through the unit.
  • Accessible light switches, electrical outlets, thermostats, and other environmental controls.
  • Reinforced bathroom walls to allow later installation of grab bars.
  • Kitchens and bathrooms that can be used by people in wheelchairs.
  • If a building with 4 or more housing units has no elevator and had first occupancy after March 13, 1991, these standards apply to ground floor units only. These requirements do not replace more stringent standards in Maryland or Worcester County law. Housing need not be made available to a person who is a direct threat to the health or safety of others, or who currently uses illegal drugs.

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    Commonly-Asked Questions

    What must a housing provider consider to assure that housing is provided is integrated? - The housing for persons with disabilities must not be separate or unnecessarily segregated. Accessible units in single buildings should be located throughout the building, and not just on the first floor. In projects with multiple buildings, accessible units should be located throughout these buildings, rather than in just one or two buildings. Persons with mental disabilities should not be segregated in any one wing, floor, or building.

    Does the Law apply to building built without Federal funds? - The Fair Housing Act prohibits housing discrimination in both public and private housing, regardless of whether or not the housing provider receives Federal funds.

    What about communication with persons with disabilities? - A housing provider must have an effective way to communicate with all tenants and applicants who have disabilities:

    • Telephone: TDD or a fax machine.
    • Alternate site for applicants if not accessible.
    • Application forms and other information in simplified language and utilize pictures or diagrams.
    • What is the Law regarding the cost of housing modifications? - The Fair Housing Act requires that housing providers allow tenants with disabilities to make modifications, at the tenant's expense, when such modifications are necessary. However, the provider is required to cover the cost to make existing units accessible when a project is viewed in its entirety.

    What about information given during the application process? - A housing provider may indicate the availability of accessible units, and ask all applicants if they wish to be considered for such units. If the person indicates this, he/she can be asked to explain and document why the accessibility features are required - even if to answer these questions may involve revealing information about a physical or mental disability (24 CFR. Sec. 8.27).

    Can a provider make the ability to live independently a term or condition of tenancy? - No. Instead, the provider must rely on the tenant's ability to meet the standard obligations of tenancy (e.g., maintaining the unit) to determine if the tenant can continue to reside in that unit.

    When can a housing provider evict a person with disabilities who damages his/her unit and/or disturbs tenants? - The general rule is that a person with disabilities can be held to the same standards of behavior as those to which a non-disabled person is held. Reasonable accommodation sometimes may require that a landlord make an accommodation in the rule.

    *****

    FOR MORE INFORMATION

    Coastal Counties C. H. R. B.
    P. O. Box 971, Salisbury, Maryland 21801 800-652-6312 / 410-524-5685

    Greater Baltimore C. H. R. B.
    410.929.7640

    Maryland Commission on Civil Rights
    800-637-6247 / 410-548-3243 / TDD 410-333-1737

    Salisbury Multi-Purpose Center
    201 Baptist Street, Suite 33, Salisbury, Maryland 21801