A. J. Johnson will be conducting a one-hour webinar on January 24, 2024, on Assistance Animals in Multifamily Housing – Avoiding Fair Housing Violations. The Webinar will begin at 1:00 PM Eastern Time.
Understanding Fair Housing Law regarding assistance animals is crucial for several reasons:
Fair housing law ensures that individuals with disabilities have equal access to housing, preventing discrimination. Assistance animals are not pets but are necessary for the well-being of their owners. Landlords and housing providers must comply with these laws to avoid legal repercussions. Ignorance of the law is not a defense. The law clarifies the obligations of housing providers to make reasonable accommodations for assistance animals, even in pet-free housing.
It promotes awareness and sensitivity towards the needs of individuals with disabilities, fostering a more inclusive and supportive community. Understanding these laws helps prevent misuse of the system by those who do not genuinely require assistance animals, ensuring resources and accommodations are available for those who truly need them. This one-hour live webinar will provide the information necessary for owners to comply with this complex area of fair housing law. It will cover the difference between service and support animals, how to verify the need for an assistance animal (including a detailed discussion of the “online” verification services), and what types of animals are acceptable as assistance animals. There will be plenty of time for Q&A and at the end of the session, attendees will be more confident when dealing with requests for assistance animals.
Those interested in participating in the Webinar may register on the A. J. Johnson Consulting Services website (www.ajjcs.net) under “Training.”