Fair Housing SC
Design & Construction
The Fair Housing Act requires housing to be
accessible to those with disabilities. The
requirements apply to most public and
private housing, with some exceptions for
owner-occupied buildings with four units or
less. Otherwise, design and construction
requirements apply.
Disability Rights & Protections
Who is considered disabled, how is disability
defined, and what are the rights of persons
with disabilities regarding housing? How do
you know if your rights have been violated?
Fair housing means equal access to housing
and an equal ability to access and enjoy your
house and common living, even if you are
disabled.
Service Animals
Allowing tenants and their guests who have
disabilities to be accompanied by their
service animals is a reasonable
accommodation for a person with disabilities
as defined by Fair Housing laws and the
Americans with Disabilities Act. Even in
apartment and condominium complexes with
no pets policies.
In South Carolina, disability is the second most common basis for fair housing complaints. About one quarter of all
complaints involve housing discrimination based on a mental or physical impairment or the failure of a landlord or property
manager to make housing accessible, allow reasonable modifications or provide reasonable accommodations in policies
or services, such as allowing a guide dog or an assigned parking spot. In many cases, the problem is simply that housing
providers do not know what the law requires, and raising awareness of the Fair Housing Act can make a big difference.
Explore this section to find out more about the law, find resources to help residents and housing providers alike and help
make housing equally accessible to everyone, regardless of disability.
Accessible Housing
Disability Links
Fair Housing is not an option. It’s the law.
Reasonable Accommodations and
Modifications
It is illegal for landlords to refuse to let
tenants make “reasonable modifications” to
their house or apartment, if the tenant is
willing to pay for the changes. Housing
providers must also make reasonable
accommodations in policies or services, such
as allowing a disabled tenant an assigned
parking space even when the complex does
not have assigned parking.
Helpful Links - click any of the objects below to go to the website or resource.
April is Fair Housing Month
