Shameeka’s Right to Her ESA

Healing shouldn’t come with barriers, but for Shameeka, it did. After opening up to her therapist about needing more support, one recommendation stuck: an emotional support animal (ESA). Soon after, Shameeka got her assistance animal, a dog named Cash, along with an official letter from her therapist verifying the need. On the path to feeling better, Shameeka went home and gave her apartment’s property management the documentation needed for her ESA, a reasonable accommodation she is legally entitled to.

Shameeka’s feeling of hope was cut abruptly when the property manager denied her request for an ESA. Confused, Shameeka asked again, stating that she had the documentation needed from a healthcare provider. When she got the same answer of “No”, Shameeka had that feeling that some know too well, a ‘this doesn’t feel right’. That’s when she called HOME.

Shameeka spoke with HOME’s Fair Housing Case Specialist, Teresita, and explained her situation. She discussed her brother’s recent passing and her surgery after her own cancer diagnosis, all of which contributed to her declining mental health. Fortunately, Shameeka had a support system in place, including her therapist, who recommended an ESA. At the end of the call, she stated, “with all of those things occurring, I just had to reach out to you guys and say, yeah, I think I’ve endured enough, and it’s not right.” Shameeka emphasized how not having her ESA with her was detrimental to her health.

Shameeka and Teresita gathered documentation on her situation, and HOME then reached out to the housing provider directly. With no response, Shameeka chose to take the next step of filing a Fair Housing Complaint with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC), with Teresita guiding her through the process.

HOME also conducted its own private investigations, in which its fair housing testers found evidence that the property manager and owner refused requests for assistance animals. HOME then filed a fair housing complaint with the OCRC, too.

A couple of months after filing, OCRC began investigating. With the help of HOME, Shameeka had already prepared communication receipts and other documentation needed for the case.

Eventually, the housing provider, Shameeka, and HOME reached a conciliation agreement, which is when the parties voluntarily agree to resolve the case. In the end, Shameeka finally received documentation allowing her ESA at her residence. In addition, she was awarded one year of FREE rent based on the emotional turmoil she endured while not being allowed to have her ESA. Another outcome of the conciliation was that the property management involved had to take a 2-3 hour Fair Housing Act compliance course provided by HOME. The property owner and management were also required to update their policies to be compliant with State and Federal Fair Housing laws.

Looking back at Shameeka’s experience, she is grateful she called HOME, saying, “I believe that everyone should reach out to you guys and ask questions.” While most people know it's illegal to discriminate in housing, many may not know what discrimination looks like. That’s why educating yourself on your housing rights as a tenant is the first step to ensuring your rights are not being violated. At HOME, there are housing advocates ready to answer questions and guide you through the process of enforcing your rights. Shameeka affirms this, saying, “Miss Teresita really listened, and she took time out to make sure that I was okay. If I didn't call her right away, within a certain amount of time, she would call to see how I was doing.” She continues, “I would definitely recommend you guys, I tell everybody about you all the time.”

If you believe you are being denied a reasonable accommodation or facing discrimination based on your disability, HOME is here to help. Speak with one of our housing advocates at 513-721-4663 and learn about your rights in housing!