DOJ rules on housing violations by the City of Anoka

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has determined that the city of Anoka violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Housing Act through its "crime-free" housing ordinance. The findings, conveyed in a letter to the city attorney, assert that Anoka discriminated against renters with mental health disabilities by denying them access to emergency services and disclosing sensitive information.

The DOJ investigation revealed that the city discouraged tenants with mental health disabilities from seeking help, leading to a fear of eviction if emergency services were contacted. Landlords felt pressured to evict tenants, and over six years, the city provided weekly reports to landlords containing confidential medical details, including diagnoses, medications, and suicide attempts. Anoka's rental licensing and crime-free housing ordinance posed eviction risks for tenants with three "nuisance police calls for service" within a year, and landlords could lose their rental license if action wasn't taken.

The DOJ also found evidence of disproportionate use of the ordinance, impacting individuals with mental health issues more than others. Advocates, including Sue Abderholden of NAMI-MN, found the city's policy appalling. Scrutiny over crime-free housing ordinances in Minnesota has been increasing, and the DOJ's findings highlight the discriminatory nature of Anoka's implementation.