This year we recognize the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Lawmakers passed the ADA in 1990. The law helps disabled Americans by improving access to public spaces, employment, education and buildings. What has this meant for housing...
Fair Housing & The Ada
Zoning matters to municipalities
Owners of private property sometimes see zoning regulations as restrictive mandates that prevent them from using their land as they wish. While zoning plans do limit how property owners can develop or utilize their tracts and improvements, zoning is a beneficial...
What things can HOAs regulate?
If you just became a new member of the board of directors for a homeowner's association, you need to be aware that HOAs are very powerful organizations. You also need to be aware that while most homeowners in the neighborhood welcome and abide by the HOA’s...
New federal guidelines for disabled residents and service animals
Millions of disabled Americans rely on service animals for physical and emotional support. But they did not always have a dog in the fight for fair housing. The Fair Housing Act (FHA) requires property owners and cooperatives to change no-pets rules so people with...
Are service animals protected under the Fair Housing Act?
When offering housing in a condominium, apartment or HOA environment, there are several regulations that your organization must follow. When it comes to the Fair Housing Act, organizations cannot discriminate against tenants due to disabilities. In fact, they must...
HOAs and reasonable accommodation under the ADA
Living in a Michigan condominium complex or master-planned community with a homeowner’s association has its perks. The HOA maintains peaceful, orderly neighborhoods and it enforces the community rules and handles the day-to-day administration tasks. Some people are...
Regulating animals in housing organizations
In the last few decades, the use of animals to provide comfort and support has expanded far beyond only service dogs. This often complicates housing arrangements, pitting pet policies against laws meant to protect tenants. Below, we break down a few of the most common...
Bipartisan bill would expand FHA
Individuals looking to rent property in Michigan for themselves or their families may be denied by landlords if they receive assistance. However, a Senate bill that has the support of both parties would make that illegal. Specifically, it would broaden the Fair...
Bank accused of racial discrimination in mortgage lending
Many people throughout Michigan and across the country still face unlawful discrimination in housing and lending. According to a new lawsuit, Liberty Bank discriminated against mortgage borrowers in African American and Latino neighborhoods in two Connecticut cities....
Undocumented immigrants may sue under FHA
A federal appeals court has ruled that undocumented immigrants may not necessarily be excluded from bringing housing discrimination claims. Michigan residents might be interested to learn how the court came to that ruling and what impact it might have. The judge who...