The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released new guidance clarifying the responsibilities of rental housing providers and renters for reasonable accommodation requests for emotional support animals in housing.
The National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) and the National Apartment Association (NAA) released a statement in support of HUD’s move. “The apartment industry strongly supports the rights of persons with disabilities to make reasonable accommodation requests so they may have equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling,” according to the news release.
“However, a lack of clarity in the law currently governing emotional support animals allows for abuse and imposes an unfair burden on property owners. This undermines the intent of the Fair Housing Act to help those truly in need of an emotional support animal.”
HUD’s announcement of the new guidance reads: “A person with a disability that affects a major life activity may require the assistance of an animal that does work, performs tasks, or provides therapeutic emotional support because of the disability. Housing providers may confirm, if it is not apparent, whether the requested accommodation is needed because of a disability that affects a major life activity and is a reasonable request.”
Before the new guidance was issued, it was often difficult for owners and operators to determine legitimate requests from illegitimate ones, the joint statement says.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Sep 21, 2017
After construction crane collapses during Irma, regulations questioned
Cranes rated for 140 mph winds didn’t hold up to 100 mph gusts.
Codes and Standards | Sep 20, 2017
Energy efficiency measures pay off in some not-so-obvious ways
Access to better financing, tax incentives, rent premiums, among the benefits to greener buildings.
Codes and Standards | Sep 19, 2017
Benchmarking regulations prompt jump in green certified properties
2016 saw a slight rise in total certified U.S. green office space.
Codes and Standards | Sep 18, 2017
Changes likely to come to federal wetlands regulations
However, states may step up regulations as feds relax them.
Codes and Standards | Sep 14, 2017
Gentrification means a new mindset for city planners
Rising rents elicit reexamination of zoning principles.
Codes and Standards | Sep 13, 2017
OSHA issues extension for compliance with crane operator certification requirements
Comments on proposed rule sought through Sept. 29.
Codes and Standards | Sep 12, 2017
Washington, D.C. is first LEED Platinum city in the world
All city government buildings are powered by renewables.
Codes and Standards | Sep 11, 2017
Natural solutions would be most effective flood resilience policies for Houston
New green infrastructure should be part of rebuild.
Codes and Standards | Sep 8, 2017
Los Angeles luxury high-rise is first U.S. apartment building to achieve WELL Multifamily certification
Hollywood Proper Residences have verified indoor air and water quality features.
Codes and Standards | Sep 7, 2017
More than half of Houston properties at high or moderate risk of flooding are not in FEMA flood zone
Properties outside of these zones are not required to carry flood insurance.