Landlady refused to rent to single mom

WEST SALEM, Wis., Sept. 9 (UPI) -- A Wisconsin property owner is accused of violating the Fair Housing Act for allegedly refusing to rent to a woman who didn't have a man "to shovel the snow."

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said Darlene Dovenberg of West Salem refused to rent to the single mother because she did not have a man "to shovel the snow" and perform other tasks, the La Crosse (Wis.) Tribune reported Friday.

Dovenberg, who later rented the home to two men, said the winters are "brutal" and the woman would not have been able to handle snow removal on her own.

Dovenberg is accused of violating the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits property owners from discriminating against renters or purchasers based on race, national origin, religion, gender, familial status or handicap. She could face a fine of up to $16,000 and attorney's fees.