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 | Apr 5, 2019
Manhattan expected to adopt congestion pricing plan for automobiles
New York would be first U.S. city to charge drivers extra for downtown motoring.
Codes and Standards | Apr 4, 2019
Chicago makes major building code overhaul
Previous comprehensive changes were done 70 years ago.
Codes and Standards | Apr 3, 2019
Construction advanced materials makers can enhance industry efficiency with technology
Integration of new IT approaches in construction with new materials has potential to enhance sustainability, alleviate worker shortage.
Codes and Standards | Apr 2, 2019
Open offices reduce collaboration among employees
Counterintuitive finding makes value of wide open workspaces questionable.
Codes and Standards | Mar 29, 2019
New timber traceability LEED credit released
Pilot credit aims to reduce use of illegal wood in buildings.
Codes and Standards | Mar 28, 2019
Swinerton forms new mass timber business group
Will pursue new projects being developed with mass timber.
Codes and Standards | Mar 27, 2019
Shortage of skilled construction workers resulting in missed deadlines
Some 40% of contractors have turned down project offers.
Codes and Standards | Mar 25, 2019
ICC release 2019 guidelines for safe use of repurposed shipping containers
Provides in-depth, technical overview on how to design, review, and approve shipping containers as building elements.
Codes and Standards | Mar 22, 2019
Tool helps cities develop framework for life-cycle energy policies and track progress
Identifies policies, funding sources to address building energy use.
Codes and Standards | Mar 21, 2019
New York City contractors adding 5% to 10% to construction costs due to trade war
Tariffs on steel, aluminum, and other materials swell budgets.