FEDERAL FAIR HOUSING ACT
The Fair Housing Act prohibits housing discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, and national origin. Its coverage includes private housing, housing that receives Federal financial assistance, and State and local government housing.
It is unlawful to discriminate in any aspect of selling or renting housing or to deny a dwelling to a buyer or renter because of the disability of that individual, an individual associated with the buyer or renter, or an individual who intends to live in the residence. Other covered activities include financing, zoning practices, new construction design, and advertising.
The Fair Housing Act requires owners of housing facilities to make reasonable exceptions in their policies to afford people with disabilities equal housing opportunities.
For example, a landlord with a "no pets" policy may be required to grant an exception to this rule and allow an individual who is blind to keep a guide dog in the residence. The Fair Housing Act also requires landlords to allow tenants with disabilities to make reasonable access-related modifications to their private living space, as well as to common use spaces. (The landlord is not required to pay for the changes.)
The Act further requires
that new multifamily housing with four or more units be designed and built to
allow access for persons with disabilities. This includes accessible common use
areas, doors that are wide enough for wheelchairs, kitchens and bathrooms that
allow a person using a wheelchair to maneuver, and other adaptable features within
the units.
Uatpat.org - The Utah Assistive Technology Program is designed to help you know what assistive technology is available, how to get funding for assistive technology, and to provide you with links and resources.