LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — A disability discrimination lawsuit against an Owosso housing complex over its “no pets” policy has been settled, housing advocates announced Tuesday.
“If individuals with disabilities need to live with an emotional support animal, housing providers cannot use ‘No Pet’ policies to circumvent the requirements of the Federal Fair Housing Act,” said FHC Director of Enforcement Niki Green.
Residents at Owosso complex say they’re being wrongfully evicted
The lawsuit was filed last year by an attorney with the Fair Housing Center of Southeast and Mid Michigan on behalf of Owosso resident Ryan McGuckin. The lawsuit was in response to allegations that Corlette Creek Apartments refused to add his fiance, Olivia Berge, to his lease because they both had emotional support animals.
In late 2024, the FHC says, McGuckin told apartment management he required an emotional support animal to live with him, but they objected, citing a “no pets” policy. However, they let McGuckin continue living there for the foreseeable future…