A condominium association in Snowmass Village violated federal law — the Fair Housing Act — when it banned the service dog of a resident with disabilities from her home.
To resolve a lawsuit, filed last week in U.S. District Court in Denver, Creekside Condominium Homeowners Association was ordered to pay $50,000 to the woman, to provide reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities, and to better train its board on the requirements of the Fair Housing Act, according to a U.S. Attorney, District of Colorado news release.
The complaint, filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, claimed that Creekside “repeatedly denied requests by the resident for an exception to the HOA’s ‘no dogs’ policy to permit her to live with her assistance animal, a dog named Tallulah,” according to the release. “The resident had experienced anxiety and depression and acquired Tallulah to alleviate the symptoms of her disabilities.”
The resident had requested, under provisions of the Fair Housing Act, permission for Tallulah to live with her. The resident submitted appropriate forms and documentation from mental health and medical professionals in support of her request, the release said. Denial by Creekside forced the woman to live elsewhere for several months, including a week in a van.
“Housing providers are required by law to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “We are pleased that this HOA is adopting policies and will conduct training that complies with the Fair Housing Act. These are important protections to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal housing opportunities.”
A jointly submitted consent order was approved Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Daniel Domenico. The HOA has also agreed to issue an apology to the resident.