CAIRO, Ill. (AP) — Seven former residents have filed a lawsuit against the Alexander County Housing Authority in southern Illinois alleging discrimination based on race and family status and rent overcharges.

The lawsuit filed in East St. Louis federal court names the housing authority as a defendant along with four past executive directors. The residents are seeking class-action status. The lawsuit claims the authority has engaged in “a pattern and practice of segregation” and overcharged plaintiffs up to $200.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development took over the housing authority in February citing years of mismanagement and poor living conditions. A HUD review found roaches, mold and electric and plumbing problems in housing authority units.

A HUD spokeswoman said the agency doesn’t comment on pending litigation.