What it looks like
- Rules enforced differently based on race, religion, national origin, family status, or another protected characteristic
- A refusal to allow a ramp, railing, or other access improvement
- A refusal to make an exception to a rule for a disability, such as an assistance animal or a parking space
- Rules that target children
What Nevada law says
The federal Fair Housing Act and NRS 118.100 prohibit discrimination in the terms, conditions, and privileges of housing, and in related services and facilities, because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, familial status, and, under Nevada law, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and ancestry. It is also unlawful to refuse to permit reasonable modifications at the disabled person's expense, or to refuse reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, or services (NRS 118.101). Within the HOA statute itself, an association may not unreasonably restrict improvements for disability access (NRS 116.2111).
Complaints can be filed with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or the Nevada Equal Rights Commission, generally within one year. A lawsuit in court has its own deadline.
Our approach. Fair housing complaints to HUD or the Nevada Equal Rights Commission are free to file and have a one-year deadline. If your situation involves discrimination, consider filing with one of those agencies promptly, whatever else you do.
The facts that matter
These are the questions that decide whether there is a practical path forward.
- The protected characteristic involved
- What you requested, in writing, and the response
- For accommodations, the connection between the disability and the request
- How others without that characteristic were treated
- Dates of each event
Documents to gather
- Your written request and any supporting letter from a health care provider
- The association's written response
- The rule or policy at issue
- Examples of different treatment, with dates and addresses
See our guide to getting your governing documents.
Options that usually fit
Demand, state filing, and mediation
Our core fixed-fee service: file review, a demand to the association, the state filing, and mediation.
Court
For disputes that were not resolved at mediation and are strong on the documents.
Common questions
Does my HOA have to allow my assistance animal?
Fair housing law requires reasonable accommodations in rules and policies when they are necessary for a person with a disability, and that can include an exception to a pet restriction. Make the request in writing and be prepared to show the disability-related need.
This page is general information about Nevada law, not legal advice. Every dispute turns on its own facts and documents.