United States v. Philadelphian Owners Association (E.D. Pa.)

On October 9, 2012, the court entered a consent order in United States v. Philadelphian Owner's Association (E.D. Pa.), a HUD pattern or practice/election case. The complaint, which was filed on September 28, 2012, by the United States Attorney's Office alleged that the Philadelphian Owners' Association (POA), a condominium association that manages a 776 unit condominium complex in Philadelphia violated the Fair Housing Act by denying a resident with a disability a reasonable accommodation for an emotional support animal and by having and implementing a no-pets policy limiting the use of assistance animals in the complex. The consent decree requires the POA to pay the complainant $15,000 in monetary damages, establish a $15,000 settlement fund for additional potential aggrieved persons, and pay a $10,000 civil penalty to the United States. The decree also requires the POA to adopt a reasonable accommodation policy, have its members undergo education and training and imposes reporting and record-keeping requirements. The case was referred to the Division after the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) received a complaint, conducted an investigation, and issued a charge of discrimination.