R
hode Island's attorney general is taking A.R. Building Company to court for allegedly overcharging customers and discriminating against tenants with disabilities. The complaint, filed in Providence County Superior Court, demands the company stop its alleged practices and return fees to those who were illegally overcharged. Attorney General Peter F. Neronha stated that the company's actions are a barrier to finding affordable housing during Rhode Island's severe housing crisis.

    A.R. Building Company owns five residential rental properties in Rhode Island and has a main office in Pennsylvania. The complaint alleges that the company charged prospective tenants for application fees, which is against the law. For example, a tenant was asked to pay $250 and $30 for screening before submitting an application at Dowling Village in North Smithfield.

    The attorney general's office also claims that A.R. Building Company discriminated against applicants with disabilities by requiring them to go through additional steps in their application process. Tenants with support or service animals faced obstacles when trying to complete their rental applications, and the company allegedly asked about disabilities on the application form, which is prohibited under the state's Fair Housing Practices Act.

    Neronha stated that landlords are not allowed to ask tenants about their disability or list a home in a way that suggests discrimination against those with disabilities. The attorney general's office alleges that A.R. Building Company would only hold a unit for prospective tenants with disabilities after they had verified and approved their request, causing delays for these applicants.