The Fair Housing Amendments Act built upon the Civil Rights Act and extended protections against discrimination in buying, renting, and financing properties. The law protects many people, including those who may have a disability. Michigan residents with a disability and those who care for disabled persons might find it worthwhile to learn more about the specifics of the law. Doing so could help them take action when faced with discrimination.
Specific terms associated with the FHAA
Understanding the rules associated with the law might start with knowing the legal definition of disability. Essentially, the term refers to mental or physical conditions that impact and limit major life activities. Someone unable to walk due to an injury or illness may have a disability. An individual unable to work due to a mental health condition could also fall under the disability category.
Regarding living arrangements, the Fair Housing Amendments Act could require landlords to provide reasonable accommodations. Reasonable accommodations are changes in rules or living arrangements intended to give someone an equal opportunity to housing. So, an apartment complex may not allow dogs, but an exception goes to a visually impaired person who relies on a service animal.
Refusing a reasonable request
A “reasonable” accommodation would not force any harsh burdens on a landlord. Therefore, a landlord would not likely be required to build a garage or additional structure to accommodate someone.
Some landlords, lenders, and sellers may attempt to circumvent housing law statutes. They could deny a reasonable accommodation for no real reason. Some might even lie about rental availabilities to deny a disabled person’s application. Such actions could violate the law and lead to a civil suit. After proving charges of discrimination in court, the plaintiff might receive a substantial judgment.