The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) is actively pursuing disability discrimination claims against owners and operators of apartment complexes. As the result of a recent settlement, the DOJ will collect nearly $200,000 to resolve a lawsuit claiming that the owners and operators of a large apartment complex discriminated against persons with disabilities who used assistance animals. According to the lawsuit, the apartment complex violated the law by: limiting individuals with assistance animals to a certain portion of the apartment complex; subjecting those individuals to pet fees; requiring assistance animals to be licensed or certified; and, barring uncertified companion animals.
If a tenant or prospective tenant asks about housing a companion animal, make sure that you understand the laws protecting that individual and the animal. If you are unsure, get advice. As one apartment complex manager learned, mistakes can be very costly.
