DFEH Settles Disability Discrimination Case Against Auburn Rental Property Owner

Sacramento – The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) has reached a settlement in a housing disability discrimination case in Auburn, California, involving a landlord who refused to rent to a disabled woman because she requested a reasonable accommodation for her emotional support animal.

The complainant filed a complaint with DFEH in March of 2017, saying she was initially offered a triplex unit to rent, but that when she requested the reasonable accommodation the landlord rescinded the offer and made comments indicating a preference against renting to disable individuals with emotional support animals.

“Disabled individuals are entitled to equal access to housing accommodations,” said DFEH Director Kevin Kish. “It is unlawful to refuse to rent to someone because they use an emotional support animal to alleviate the symptoms of their disability.

As part of a settlement agreement reached with DFEH during mediation, the respondents agreed to pay the complainant $30,000 and allow her to live at the triplex rent-free and with her emotional support animal for three years. The landlord has also agreed to develop an anti-discrimination policy, post and distribute DFEH posters that outline the rights of renters, and complete annual fair housing training.

The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) is the state agency charged with enforcing California’s civil rights laws. CRD’s mission is to protect the people of California from unlawful discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and state-funded programs and activities, and from hate violence and human trafficking. For more information, visit calcivilrights.ca.gov.

View (PDF) DFEH Settles Disability Discrimination Case Against Auburn Rental Property Owner