According to a Manchester city report addressing several fair housing issues, persons with disabilities comprised the vast majority of housing discrimination complaints within the city over the last seven years.
Almost half of the 146 discrimination cases involving Manchester landlords 68 – involved people with a mental disability. Another 45 cases involved people with mobility disabilities.
The listing, which involves cases filed between early 2013 and late 2019, is included in a 17-page overview of fair housing issues in Manchester.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires cities to file reports to address housing issues in their community. The last Manchester analysis was ten years ago.
Most disability-based discrimination complaints are filed against landlords who won’t make reasonable accommodations: a wheelchair ramp or railings in the bathroom. Or they won’t tolerate minor disruptions caused by someone who must adjust to a new medication.” said an official with New Hampshire Legal Assistance said
“Emotional support animals is a really hot issue right now,” said Maria Eveleth, co-director of N.H. Legal Assistance’s fair housing program.
She said complaints are often resolved through a conciliation process that avoids formal complaints with HUD, the New Hampshire Human Rights Commission or the courts.
The report calls for the city to work with partner organizations to increase awareness of Americans with Disabilities Act compliance and accessibility standards.
