Fair Housing and Allergies: Do I have to permit cats? - The Fair Housing Institute, Inc.

Fair Housing and Allergies: Do I have to permit cats?

In this episode of Fair Housing Insiders, Michael Coughlin and attorney Leslie Tucker discuss the complexities of fair housing laws as they relate to allergies and emotional support animals. They explore how housing providers can navigate these challenges while ensuring compliance with fair housing regulations. The conversation highlights the importance of balancing the needs of residents with allergies against those requiring emotional support animals, emphasizing the need for reasonable accommodations and the avoidance of illegal steering practices.

Highlights:

00:00 – Fair Housing Laws and Allergies

00:38 – Setting the Scenario: Cat Allergies

01:08 – Pet Policies vs. Accommodation

02:15 – Conflict Between ESA and Allergies

02:48 – ESA Exceptions and Competing Disabilities

04:43 – Can Property Managers Restrict Assistance Animals to Certain Areas?

06:21 – Key takeaways