Are there any special protections for tenants with disabilities under Fair Housing Law?

Yes, there are special protections for tenants with disabilities under Pennsylvania’s Fair Housing Law. At a basic level, the law prohibits landlords and other housing providers from discriminating against anyone on the basis of a disability. This means that housing providers have an obligation to make reasonable accommodations and modifications in order to ensure that disabled tenants have the same access to housing as people without disabilities. Furthermore, Pennsylvanian landlords are not allowed to impose special terms or conditions on individuals with disabilities, such as charging additional fees or requiring a higher security deposit. Additionally, housing providers must make sure that their units have the basic architectural features that are necessary to make them accessible to people with disabilities, like wide doorways, accessible bathrooms, and ramps. Pennsylvanian landlords must also comply with reasonable requests for assistance animals, even if there is a ‘no pets’ policy in place. This means that landlords must allow tenants with disabilities to keep service or emotional support animals in their units, even if pets are not typically allowed. Finally, housing providers are prohibited from inquiring about the nature of an applicant’s disability or asking about medical records. They are also not allowed to take any retaliatory action against a tenant with a disability who has requested a reasonable accommodation or modification.

Related FAQs

Does Fair Housing Law apply to condominiums and apartment complexes?
Can a landlord deny a rental application because the applicant has children in accordance with Fair Housing Law?
Are landlords allowed to discriminate against tenants based on their marital status under Fair Housing Law?
Are landlords allowed to require tenants to submit to a credit check in accordance with Fair Housing Law?
Is the landlord held liable for any damages if found in violation of Fair Housing Law?
What specific actions can be taken by a landlord to comply with Fair Housing Law?
Are landlords required to comply with state and local laws in addition to Fair Housing Law?
Are landlords required to provide reasonable accommodations to tenants with disabilities under Fair Housing Law?
Do rental applicants have to meet certain criteria under Fair Housing Law?
Are landlords required to provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with mental disabilities in accordance with Fair Housing Law?

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