Community Matters – Winter 2024 (2nd Edition)
The Winter 2024 edition features an article discussing emotional support animal requests. Under the Fair Housing Act, community associations must consider requests for emotional support animals (ESAs) as a reasonable accommodation for residents with disabilities. Requests can only be denied if the animal poses a safety threat or property damage, supported by an individualized assessment of the situation. Residents must provide documentation from a qualified healthcare provider to substantiate the need for the animal, and associations should handle requests confidentially and without unnecessary delays. (by Cynthia C. Hodge, Esq.). Another article provides an update to The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). The Corporate Transparency Act requires community associations to report their beneficial owners to the U.S. Treasury by January 1, 2025, to combat financial crimes. A recent ruling by the U.S. District Court has temporarily blocked the enforcement of these requirements. Despite this injunction, community associations should be ready to comply with the CTA’s reporting deadline, as future legal decisions may change the enforcement landscape. (by Brendan R. Hunter, Esq.).
Community Matters is published on our website on a quarterly basis, and if you would like hard copies, we can make those available for you as well. Thank you!