On August 21, 2014, New Jersey’s Office of the Attorney General, Division on Civil Rights (the “DCR”) released a “Fact Sheet,” which addresses disability accommodation rights for “owners and occupants of condos, cooperatives, and other common interest communities governed by a homeowners’ association or similar entity.”
The Fact Sheet is the result of a statute, N.J.S.A. 45:22A-48.3, recently enacted, which requires the DCR, in consultation with the Department of Community Affairs, to post information on its website explaining disability rights under New Jersey’s Law Against Discrimination (“LAD”).
The Fact Sheet discusses a variety of issues related to the rights of persons with disabilities under the LAD, including examples of what will constitute a reasonable accommodation and/or a reasonable modification. The Fact Sheet also includes a section focused on assistance animals, such as service dogs, guide dogs and emotional support animals. Finally, the Fact Sheet provides information on how persons with disabilities can pursue a formal complaint if they believe their rights under the LAD have been violated by a board, association or other housing provider.
You can view the DCR’s Fact Sheet by clicking here.
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