Housing

Know Your Rights

Persons with disabilities can look to both state and federal law for protection against discrimination in housing based on their disability. New Hampshire RSA 354-A contains the Fair Housing provisions within the State Commission For Human Rights statute. Federal protection comes from the Fair Housing Act (FHA). Another avenue of federal protection can be found in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which applies to programs that receive federal funding.

Below are some links to more information about the Fair Housing Rights of People with Disabilities.

• Problems with Housing? Where to Turn for Help
• Fair Housing Rights of People with Disabilities
• Emotional Support Animals in “No Pet” Housing

Housing Nondiscrimination Laws

Fair Housing Act and Section 504 

New Hampshire RSA 354-A

How We Can Help

DRC-NH works to end housing discrimination based on an individual’s disability. If a case does not involve disability discrimination, then the individual will be referred to New Hampshire Legal Assistance or the Legal Advice and Referral Center. Examples of housing discrimination based on disability include:

• The refusal to rent or sell a dwelling unit because a renter or buyer is disabled, because a person who will be living in the unit is disabled or because any person associated with the buyer or renter is disabled.
• The refusal of a landlord to allow reasonable modifications to the premises, at the expense of the person with a disability, where the modifications are necessary for the person to be able to fully enjoy the premises. Reasonable modifications could include installation of ramps, grab bars and air-conditioning.
• The refusal of a landlord to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices or services. Examples of reasonable accommodations include relaxation of a “no pet” policy to allow a service or emotional support animal or assigning an accessible parking space to a tenant.