Tenant Sues for Distress Over Dog Policy

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A tenant in Whitehall, Pennsylvania is suing his landlord for infliction of mental distress after being denied the right to keep a dog in his no-pets apartment.

According to a local news report, the man asked to keep his new Yorkshire-Chihuahua mix as a companion animal to help him cope with depression.

The landlord refused the request, despite the tenant’s claim that he had a prescription from his doctor. The tenant was offered the option of moving to a different unit and paying a pet deposit, but he claims he could not afford to.

The complaint alleges the actions violated the Fair Housing Act, and that the tenant is entitled to compensation for mental suffering and attorneys fees, according to the report.

The report states that the tenant rented the property prior to being diagnosed with lung cancer.  He says his doctor suggested that the animal might help alleviate the resulting depression.


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