The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin has reached a settlement in a housing discrimination case involving Tammy Estrada and Ramiro Estrada, owners and managers of a rental property in Appleton, Wisconsin. The complaint, filed on November 19, 2024, accused the Estradas of violating the Fair Housing Act by denying tenants’ requests for reasonable accommodation related to emotional support animals and retaliating against tenants who sought to exercise their rights under the law.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) received an initial complaint about the matter, conducted an investigation, and issued a charge of discrimination before referring the case to the Department of Justice. Under the terms of the settlement reached on August 22, 2025, the tenants will receive $20,000. The defendants are also required to implement a reasonable accommodation policy and attend fair housing training.
According to Acting United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling: “The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nia Schmaltz handled this matter for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.
Officials emphasized that “the claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.”
For further information contact Public Affairs Officer Steve Caballero at (414) 297-1700.
