The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced today that Kevin Lee Forrestal and Lydia Forrestal, property owners, along with PadSplit Inc., a property management company, will pay $47,500 under a Consent Order resolving allegations of discrimination against a tenant due to her disability.

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in the sale or rental of housing based on disability, race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), and familial status.

“It is illegal to deny a tenant the right to enjoy their home in a safe manner due to disability,” said Demetria L. McCain, HUD’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “HUD is committed to ensuring that tenants with disabilities are granted the reasonable accommodations they are entitled to receive.”

The Order addresses allegations that the housing providers did not grant a reasonable accommodation when a hearing-impaired tenant requested to have a service animal for assistance with her disability.

“The Fair Housing Act requires housing providers to grant reasonable accommodations, including the use of assistance animals, to ensure residents have full use and enjoyment of their homes,” said Damon Smith, HUD General Counsel. “HUD is dedicated to pursuing enforcement action when housing providers subject their tenants to unlawful disability discrimination.”

Respondents agreed to resolve this case voluntarily by compensating the affected individual and providing additional education and training for employees on fair housing laws.

Individuals who believe they have experienced discrimination can file a complaint by contacting HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at (800) 669-9777 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (Relay), or by visiting hud.gov/fairhousing. Housing providers can learn more about their responsibilities regarding reasonable accommodations and modifications for individuals with disabilities here.