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
Sustainability | Aug 30, 2016
New federal project plans must include climate impacts
Agencies must quantify the specific impacts when possible.
Green | Aug 29, 2016
Vancouver, B.C., to require zero emissions on new buildings by 2030
No net GHG emissions will be allowed.
Codes and Standards | Aug 25, 2016
Freddie Mac extends efforts to fund multifamily energy/water efficiency projects
The Multifamily Green Advantage targets existing buildings.
Codes | Aug 24, 2016
Weak building codes no match for recent natural disasters, say industry experts
The recent floods and wildfires in Alberta are being cited as proof.
Legislation | Aug 24, 2016
World Trade Center contractor found guilty of minority-owned business fraud
The company used two minority firms as fronts in a nearly $1 billion scheme.
Codes and Standards | Aug 22, 2016
Federal construction contractors propose reforms to federal project delivery
Industry leaders offer how procurement system could be improved.
Legislation | Aug 19, 2016
California lawmakers may take action to address contractor negligence
An assembly committee heard testimony on deadly balcony collapse that occurred last year.
Energy Efficiency | Aug 17, 2016
Investor Confidence Project aimed at raising trustworthiness on energy efficiency projects
The new initiative screens projects to see if they are investor-ready.
Standards | Aug 17, 2016
U.K.’S BREEAM green building standard enters U.S. market
The standard is touted as a cost-effective alternative to LEED.
Standards | Aug 16, 2016
Standard for conducting, reporting energy audits open for review
A joint ASHRAE/ACCA proposal seeks comments from industry professionals.
