Housing: Your Legal Rights

Under the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA), it is unlawful for just about all sellers and landlords to discriminate in any aspect of selling or renting housing or to deny a dwelling to a buyer or renter because of the handicap of that individual. The law's protection extends to an individual associated with the buyer or renter and to an individual who intends to live in the residence.

"Handicap" includes life changing health conditions. "Handicap" includes HIV disease without requiring full blown AIDS.

Covered potential renters or sellers canot even ask about your health condition and/or health history. Questions are limited to those which relate to the ability to meet the requirements for tenancy or to purchase the property.

The Fair Housing Act also prohibits "steering:" directing you into a building primarily occupied by other people with a history of health challenges.

In addition, the law provides that owners have to:

• Make reasonable exceptions to their policies.
• Allow tenants to make reasonable modifications to the interior and common spaces.
• Provide other reasonable accommodations.
• Allow tenants to have an Emotional Support Animal
• Give the same terms the owner would give to a person without a history of a serious health condition.

The only exception to the law's protections is if the landlord/seller can prove that you are a direct threat to other people because of your health condition. This is very difficult to do.

To enforce the law, you can sue, or complaint to a government agency.

For more information, see:

• Landlords And Sellers Who Are Covered By The Fair Housing Act
• What The Fair Housing Act Requires Landlords To Do  
  
• How To Request An Accommodation
  
• Permitted Discrimination In The Fair Housing Act  
  
• If You Have A Complaint: Preparatory Steps To Take  
  
• If You Have A Complaint: What You Can Do About It  
  

Please share how this information is useful to you. 0 Comments