Toledo Fair Housing Center Protects Disability Rights, Successfully Resolves Client’s Case
After diligently pursuing a case for two years, Toledo Fair Housing Center has achieved a successful result on behalf of a client with a disability. Attempting to rent an apartment with a dog that serves as an assistance animal, a mother and her young daughter were denied a reasonable housing accommodation by Wassef Property Management, LLC, an action that qualifies as housing discrimination. Unable to access the housing of her choice, the client was prevented from enjoying the same opportunities as a person without a disability. Toledo Fair Housing Center has reached a settlement that includes $8,500 to compensate the client for expenses as well as pain and suffering. Additional components of the settlement will help protect other individuals with disabilities from facing similar situations. This case illustrates the prevalence of disability-related fair housing violations. “Nationally, disability has surpassed race for the highest incidence of complaints,” remarked Michael Marsh, President/CEO of Toledo Fair Housing Center. “Assistance animals are not pets; they support a person with a disability in their daily activities and well-being. ‘No pets’ policies and pet fees are not applicable, and housing providers must ensure their policies and practices do not interfere with a person’s equal right to a housing opportunity.” To assist Wassef Property Management in complying with fair housing regulations, Toledo Fair Housing Center will conduct fair housing training for Wassef’s employees for three years, provide fair housing materials for distribution to tenants, and facilitate the development of inclusive housing policies. “Education is one of our key functions at Toledo Fair Housing Center,” continued Marsh. “We’re here as a community resource, to answer questions, provide materials and training, and offer guidance in drafting policies. Hopefully, this case heightens awareness for other housing providers, and we are willing and able to assist them in identifying any practices that may serve as barriers for those with disabilities—or anyone. Eliminating these barriers ensures every person in our community has access to the housing they choose, and are therefore better positioned to access other available opportunities.”
Press Release Contact Name: Sarah Jenkins
Press Release Contact Email: [email protected]
Press Release Contact Phone: 419-243-6163 ext. 23
Organization Name: Toledo Fair Housing Center/NODA
Organization Address: 432 N. Superior Street, Toledo, Ohio, 43604