The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently charged two duplex owners in Appleton, Wisconsin with discrimination against a tenant who has disabilities.
The tenant with a disability was denied the right to live with her assistance animal by the owners, which is a clear violation of the Fair Housing Act.
According to the HUD charges, the owners denied the tenant’s request to have a service dog in the house, and even went as far as threatening to evict her. Ultimately, they refused to renew her lease.
According to Damon Smith, the General Counsel of HUD, people with disabilities have the right to use assistance animals to ensure they have full access to their homes. It’s not acceptable for housing providers to create unreasonable barriers that prevent disabled tenants from using assistance animals as part of their medical treatment. This charge highlights the importance of removing any artificial obstacles that prevent people from accessing the support they need.
Under the Fair Housing Act, it is unlawful to discriminate against individuals with disabilities, which includes denying them reasonable accommodations.