Landlord Charged for Refusing Tenant’s Dog

petsA West Virginia property owner has been charged with discrimination for refusing to allow a resident to keep his dog.

According to the charges filed by HUD, the tenant says he has difficulty sleeping and experiences severe anxiety as a result of a 2009 home invasion. He asked the landlord to waive its “no pets” policy and allow him to keep a dog for emotional support. The tenant obtained a doctor’s note attesting to his need for the animal. The tenant claims the landlord denied the requests, and then attempted to evict him.

The landlord now faces prosecution, and could be ordered to pay damages, fines, attorneys fees, or to undergo fair housing training. Punitive damages are possible if the case proceeds to federal court.

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