Hinckley — Ch. 38 Human Relations § 38-36
Refusal to sell or rent because a person has a guide, hearing or support dog
Operative Text
It is a civil rights violation for the owner or agent of any housing accommodation to: (1) Refuse to sell or rent after the making of a bonafide offer, or to refuse to negotiate for the sale or rental of, or otherwise make unavailable or deny property to any blind, hearing impaired or physically handicapped person because he has a guide, hearing or support dog; (2) Discriminate against any blind, hearing impaired or physically handicapped person in the terms, conditions or privileges of sale or rental property, or in the provision of services or facilities in connection therewith, because he has a guide, hearing or support dog; or (3) Require, because a blind, hearing impaired or physically handicapped person has a guide, hearing or support dog, an extra charge in a lease, rental agreement, or contract of purchase or sale, other than for actual damage done to the premises by the dog.
Hinckley Ch. 38 § 38-36 establishes that it is a civil rights violation to refuse to sell or rent housing to a blind, hearing-impaired, or physically handicapped person solely because they have a guide, hearing, or support dog. The rule also prohibits applying different or worse terms and conditions to such individuals on that basis. Landlords and sellers may not impose extra charges related to the dog's presence, though they may seek compensation for actual damage the dog causes to the property.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Hinckley Ch. 38 § 38-36, compliant housing operators treat applicants and residents who use guide, hearing, or support dogs the same as any other applicant or resident when it comes to availability, lease terms, and service access. Operators do not add surcharges or pet fees to leases or rental agreements solely because of the dog's presence. Operators may, however, document and seek reimbursement for any actual physical damage the dog causes to the premises, consistent with normal damage-recovery practices.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Hinckley Ch. 38 § 38-36 gives blind, hearing-impaired, and physically handicapped individuals the right to pursue housing without being turned away, subjected to worse terms, or charged extra fees because of their guide, hearing, or support dog. If a housing provider refuses to negotiate, imposes discriminatory conditions, or demands an additional fee not tied to actual damage, that conduct may constitute a civil rights violation under this provision. Tenants who believe their rights under § 38-36 have been violated may consider contacting a local human relations commission, a tenant-rights organization, or an attorney familiar with fair housing law to understand available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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