HOUSING DISCRIMINATION

摘要

In Holland v. The Related Companies, Inc., 2016 WL 3669999, No. 15-cv-03220-JSW (N.D. Cal. July 11, 2016), the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California ruled that the California Unruh Act barring discrimination against persons with disabilities was not applicable to the residential portions of apartment complexes. Peter and Kristin Holland, a married couple, leased a unit in The Paramount apartments in November 2008, which they renewed for one year in December 2014. The Paramount is owned by Third and Mission Associates LL ("TMA") and is operated by Related Management Company ("RMC"). TMA and RMC sent a notice in January 2015 to The Paramount's residents stating that the common amenities space on the floor below the Hollands' apartment would be renovated starting in March 2015. Peter Holland, who suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder ("PTSD"), began complaining to TMA and RMC representatives about the construction noise, which he said was impacting his PTSD. The Hollands requested an accommodation due to the noise, but were unable to reach an agreement with TMA and RMC.