Summary
Board staff reviewed landlord‑testing results and complaint activity for the period Feb. 17–June 30, 2025 at the Lorraine Fair Housing Board meeting on Aug. 21.
Board staff reviewed landlord‑testing results and complaint activity for the period Feb. 17–June 30, 2025 at the Lorraine Fair Housing Board meeting on Aug. 21.
The review matters because enforcement outcomes and landlord behavior affect tenant access to housing and the city’s ability to use limited enforcement resources.
A staff member told the board that most tests in the packet were inconclusive but that one case showed probable cause and is subject to continued testing and investigation. The staffer said the board had redacted landlord names in the packet. “The one that concerned me a lot was not only because it was a PC, but because it is someone with a disability apparently,” the staff member said.
When asked about specific determinations in the packet, another speaker reported that the fair‑housing assistance request identified as item 2 had been investigated and that there was “no evidence indicating discrimination occurred.” The board did not record a motion or vote on that finding during the meeting; the statement was presented as the staff conclusion for that case.
Board members discussed enforcement challenges and the broader rental market. Board members and staff said eviction records and prior criminal history are leading barriers for shelter clients and renters seeking housing. Staff said mental‑health issues and involvement with children’s services also complicate placements. The board discussed local efforts to work with landlords, the difficulty of contacting out‑of‑area owners and the importance of having a local contact for rental properties.
A board member asked whether training or other measures could be required before landlords rehabbing units for rental, noting community concerns about property maintenance and tenant behavior in neighborhoods. Staff said the board is exploring ways to hold landlords accountable and that conversations are ongoing about enforcement and registration procedures.
No formal policy changes or votes were recorded on Aug. 21. Staff said they will continue active testing and will release results as investigations conclude.
