Fair Housing Act

Page 2

Additional Protection if You Have a Disability
If you or someone associated with you:

1) Have a physical or mental disability (including hearing, mobility and visual impairments, chronic alcoholism, chronic mental illness, AIDS, AIDS Related Complex and mental retardation) that substantially limits one or more major life activities
2) Have a record of such a disability or
3) Are regarded as having such a disability

your landlord may not:

1) Refuse to let you make reasonable modifications to your dwelling or common use areas, at your expense, if necessary for the disabled person to use the housing. (Where reasonable, the landlord may permit changes only if you agree to restore the property to its original condition when you move.)
2) Refuse to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices or services if necessary for the disabled person to use the housing.

Example: A building with a "no pets" policy must allow a visually impaired tenant to keep a guide dog.

Example: An apartment complex that offers tenants ample, unassigned parking must honor a request from a mobility-impaired tenant for a reserved space near her apartment if necessary to assure that she can have access to her apartment.

However, housing need not be made available to a person who is a direct threat to the health or safety of others or who currently uses illegal drugs.

Page 1 What Housing Is Covered?
Page 2 Additional Protection if You Have a Disability
Page 3 Requirements for New Buildings
Page 4 Housing Opportunities for Families
Page 5 If You Think Your Rights Have Been Violated
Page 6 What Happens when You File a Complaint?
Page 7 Complaint Referrals

The Department of Housing & Urban Developement (HUD) has primary responsibility for implementing the Fair Housing Act. For More Detail and Technical Information: go to www.hud.gov/local/

Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Room 5116
Department of Housing and Urban Development
451 Seventh Street, S. W.
Washington, D.C. 20410-2000
202-708-2878 or Toll Free 1-800-424-8590
www.hud.gov/offices/fheo/FHLaws/yourrights.cfm
www.hud.gov/complaints/housediscrim.cfm

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