Vt. Human Rights Comm'n, HV19-0018, Investigative Report & Reasonable Grounds Determination

Although Mr. Deery denied receiving a security deposit, he explained that he would have
returned $800 to Ms. Weygant if her apartment had not needed to be repaired.el He had to hire
people to do the work on Ms. Weygant's apartment, and he said he regularly charges tenants for
those types of costs.e2

He has terminated one other person's tenancy, around two years earlier. Mr. Deery said that the
tenant was later arrested because he was a "drug lord."

Mr. Lundy was one of the other tenants during the time Ms. Weygant lived in Mr. Deery's
building.e3 Mr. Lundy said he had lived there for ten years and said that he pays month-to-month
and does not have a lease.e4 He perceives Mr. Deery to be an "excellent landlord.es Mr. Deery
has raised Mr. Lundy's rent but not in the last several years.e6 Mr. Lundy does not have any pets
and does not know if he is allowed to have pets.eT He occasionally hears voices being raised but
is not bothered by any of the tenants.es Mr. Lundy was aware of the building being for sale and
said it had been for sale the previous year.ee Mr. Lundy said that Mr. Deery fixes things when
needed, he's good about clearing the driveway and steps, and looking out for seniors.l00 Mr.
Lundy remembered Ms. Weygant and her daughter, and he described Ms. Weygant as "very
pleasant and cheerful.:rl0l g" wasn't aware of any issues going on between Ms. Weygant and Mr
Deery.l02

ANALYSIS

The VFHPAA states:

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person: