A Minnesota City Plans to Revise a Law that is Seen as Harming Mentally Ill Residents

The city of Anoka, Minnesota, has agreed to pay $175,000 and refrain from disclosing private medical information about renters with mental health issues to settle a complaint from the U.S. Department of Justice. The DOJ accused the city of discriminating against mentally ill residents by pressuring landlords to evict tenants with mental health issues over multiple police or emergency calls to their addresses.

The DOJ’s investigation revealed that Anoka violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by sharing details about people’s mental health crises with landlords, leading to potential evictions. The city’s “crime-free” housing ordinance allowed fines or denial of rental licenses to landlords whose properties were deemed a nuisance or a source of criminal activity.

Assistant U.S. Attorney General Kristen Clarke criticized Anoka’s housing program, stating that it discouraged people with disabilities from seeking help when needed most. The city, home to a state psychiatric hospital, denied wrongdoing but agreed to revise its anti-crime housing ordinance and compensate individuals harmed by its enforcement.

Under the settlement, Anoka must notify both renters and landlords of nuisance calls, excluding mental health-related incidents from the definition. The city has 30 days to amend its ordinance, ensuring compliance with the ADA and federal fair housing laws.

The agreement aims to protect the rights of individuals with mental health disabilities and prevent discriminatory practices in housing enforcement. Anoka’s willingness to address the issue and make amends reflects a step towards promoting inclusivity and fair treatment for all residents.