MAPLEWOOD, NJ – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has recently charged Serrot Management LLC, a property owner in Maplewood, New Jersey, and its realtor with violating the Fair Housing Act. The violation alleges refusal to allow a prospective tenant with a disability to reside with her assistance animal.
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on disability, which includes refusal to rent and failing to grant reasonable accommodations. HUD’s charge alleges that upon learning the prospective tenant required an assistance animal, the respondents rescinded their initial approval of her rental application, even after she provided medical documentation supporting her need for the assistance animal.
The case will be heard by a United States Administrative Law Judge unless any party elects to have it heard in federal district court.