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 | Mar 23, 2017
New manual of IT connectivity guidelines for commercial developments, redevelopments released
Mobile capacity planning, conduit points of entry, and electrical resiliency are covered.
Codes and Standards | Mar 22, 2017
Brick Industry Assn. study finds brick buildings cost less than precast, metal, and glass
The study compares costs in five categories of construction.
Codes and Standards | Mar 21, 2017
Calif. shopping center is first to earn BREEAM USA In-Use certification
The certification measures and monitors environmental performance of existing buildings.
Codes and Standards | Mar 20, 2017
Professional liability insurance rates for architects and engineers expected to be stable in 2017
Premiums leveled off in 2015, and claims have been stable, helping to hold costs down.
Codes and Standards | Mar 15, 2017
Energy Star program at risk
The standard-setting initiative for energy-efficient products may be a victim of Trump budget cuts.
Codes and Standards | Mar 14, 2017
Timber Innovation Act to promote tall wood buildings introduced in Congress
The measure has bipartisan support.
Codes and Standards | Mar 13, 2017
U.S. House and Senate have voted to repeal Dept. of Labor’s 'blacklisting' rule
The rule mandates labor compliance review for federal construction contractors.
Codes and Standards | Mar 9, 2017
WiredScore forms Connectivity Advisory Committee
The committee's creation is an important step forward for the group that evaluates internet connectivity in buildings.
Codes and Standards | Mar 8, 2017
New guide examines multifamily high-performance ventilation
The focus is on cost and performance of various systems.
Codes and Standards | Mar 7, 2017
Canada’s national building codes will encompass effects of climate change
Forecasted data, not historical data, will be used as the basis for the codes.
