Law that protects people from discrimination when they are looking for or living in a home. This law is especially important for those with disabilities who require service animals, as they are protected from unfair housing discrimination. Many people are unaware of their rights under this act, so it is important to understand the specifics to avoid any violations.
Under the Fair Housing Act, those with disabilities are protected from housing discrimination. This includes service animals and emotional support animals, which are intended to help those with disabilities. While service animal owners must provide proof of a disability, emotional support animal owners do not have to. The law applies to private homes, public housing, and other rental residences as well. Landlords may not deny someone with a service animal, nor can they charge additional fees or deposits.
In order to comply with the Fair Housing Act, landlords must make reasonable accommodations for those with service animals or emotional support animals. This includes allowing them to have the animals in their homes, even if there is a “no pet” policy. However, the animal must not be a nuisance or a danger, and the owner must take responsibility for any damages caused. Additionally, landlords are not required to allow more than one service animal or emotional support animal.
Unfortunately, some landlords still discriminate against those with service animals and emotional support animals. To avoid this, it is important to educate yourself on the specifics of the Fair Housing Act. Those who feel they have been discriminated against may file a complaint with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, or seek legal advice. It is also important for landlords to understand the law and be aware of their responsibilities when renting to someone with a service animal or emotional support animal.
In summary, the Fair Housing Act ensures fair housing practices by protecting those with disabilities from discrimination. This includes those who rely on service animals or emotional support animals, who are covered under the law even if there is a “no pet” policy in place. Landlords must make reasonable accommodations for these people, such as allowing them to have their animal in their home. Those who feel they have been discriminated against may seek legal action or file a complaint with the Department of Housing and Urban Development. It is important for everyone to understand their rights and responsibilities under the law in order to ensure fair housing practices.
This article was contributed on Oct 23, 2023
