August 26, 2014

Written By: Jonathan H. Katz

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.

For additional information on this or any other legal issue facing your association, please contact a member of our Community Associations team.
 

About Hill Wallack LLP

Founded in 1978, Hill Wallack LLP is a leading law firm with offices in Princeton and Morristown, New Jersey and Yardley, Pennsylvania. Our regional strength places us in an ideal position in today’s market. With 70 lawyers, our mid-market size allows us to provide sophisticated, high-level service to clients in a cost-efficient, responsive manner.

Our attorneys are called upon to tackle some of the toughest legal and business challenges. The firm represents businesses, nonprofit and government entities, and individuals in litigation, transactional and regulatory issues. The firm also includes those skilled in family law, trusts & estates, tax liability and other areas of individual service. For more information, please visit www.hillwallack.com.