United States v. Perry Homes Inc. (W.D. Pa.)

On January 3, 2023, the court entered a consent order in United States v. Perry Homes, Inc. (W.D. Pa.). The complaint, which was filed on April 5, alleged that Perry Homes, the owner of a multifamily rental property in Cranberry, Pennsylvania, discriminated on the basis of disability in violation of the Fair Housing Act by refusing to grant requests for reasonable accommodations made by two different tenant households who sought permission to keep an assistance animal in their apartments. The case was based on HUD complaints filed by each household. The consent order requires the defendants to pay two former tenants, Alison and Jesse Noce, the sum of $12,000, and a current tenant, Sarah Jamison, $3000.  In addition, the Consent Order requires that Defendants issue confirmation to Sarah Jamison that she can live with her emotional support cat as a reasonable accommodation while she remains a tenant at the property.  In addition to damages, the Defendants must comply with the Fair Housing Act, adopt a reasonable accommodation policy, publicize the policy in applications, leases, tenant renewal and the rental office, provide training for its employees, and comply with other equitable terms. The case was referred to the Division after the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) received the complaint, conducted an investigation, and issued a charge of discrimination.