News

On April 30, 2013, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued a Notice reaffirming that housing providers must provide reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities who require assistance animals. The "Notice on Service Animals and Assistance Animals for People with Disabilities in Housing and HUD-Funded Programs" explains housing providers' obligations under the Fair Housing Act, including the requirement to provide reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities who require assistance animals. The guidance also describes the Department of Justice's revised definition of "service animal" under the ADA, as well as housing providers' obligations when multiple nondiscrimination laws apply.

HUD's and the Department of Justice's Joint Statement on Reasonable Accommodations provides additional information regarding housing providers' obligations to provide reasonable accommodations. The Department of Justice has also published a fact sheet on service animals and the ADA.

Read the HUD Press Release

Read the Notice