A Texas civil rights group is suing two of the nation’s most prolific homebuilders, alleging they violated fair housing laws.
San Antonio-based Fair Housing Council of South Texas has filed lawsuits against Arlington-based D.R. Horton and Miami-based Lennar Corporation, accusing them of discrimination against individuals with disabilities, the Dallas Morning News reported.
The Fair Housing Council alleges that the firms failed to fulfill buyer-requested accessibility modifications during the construction of homes, violating fair housing laws.
“It is important that all homebuilders comply with fair housing laws and realize the importance of granting requests from disabled homebuyers to incorporate accessibility features into new construction, single-family home plans in order to create living spaces and neighborhoods that are inclusive and accommodating for everyone,” Fair Housing Council executive director Sandra Tamez said.
The lawsuit claims that D.R. Horton and Lennar prevented homes from being put under contract until reaching a specific construction stage. That policy limits housing options for disabled homebuyers, it says.
Requested modifications included the installation of bathroom grab bars, roll-in showers, accessible routes from garage doors and back patios, as well as wider door frames for wheelchair passage.
Two San Antonio homebuyers are also part of the legal action against D.R. Horton, citing the necessity of expensive modifications for their family members with disabilities. D.R. Horton representatives could not immediately be reached for comment. A spokesperson for Lennar stated that the company does not comment on pending litigation.
Tamez stressed the significance of incorporating features catering to individuals with disabilities in home construction to foster inclusive living spaces and neighborhoods. The lawsuits aim to uphold the rights of disabled homebuyers and promote a barrier-free homeownership experience, she said.
—Quinn Donoghue
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