HUD Policy Adjustments: Evaluating Assistance Animals Under the FHA

Submitted by dgriffin@naahq.org on Fri, 03/20/2026 - 14:09

Why it’s important: As renters increasingly view their pets as part of their families, it is essential to understand your company's obligations and how to appropriately address emotional support animals within your community.

Who should attend: Onsite Team members, Regional Managers, Suppliers

What you’ll get out of it:

Understanding of how to ground analysis directly in the statute, regulations and case law rather than HUD’s former documentation and processing frameworks.
Learn how to assess accommodation requests through individualized disability-and-nexus analysis using existing case law and applicable state or local law.
Knowledge of HUD’s reduced reliance on sub-regulatory guidance and best resolve disputes through private litigation and state or local fair housing enforcement.

Date and Time: April 7 at 2:30 p.m. EST

Price: Free

About the Host

Brian Dorwin, Principal at Offit Kurman, focuses his practice on civil and administrative litigation involving real estate and housing matters. He represents residential and commercial housing providers in landlord-tenant disputes, government agency disputes and regulatory proceedings. Brian regularly advises clients on discrimination defense, subsidized housing compliance, lease-up strategies and District of…

Brian Dorwin, Principal at Offit Kurman, focuses his practice on civil and administrative litigation involving real estate and housing matters. He represents residential and commercial housing providers in landlord-tenant disputes, government agency disputes and regulatory proceedings. Brian regularly advises clients on discrimination defense, subsidized housing compliance, lease-up strategies and District of Columbia code requirements. He helps owners and property managers navigate complex operational and enforcement issues. Brian has experience in construction litigation and alternative dispute resolution. Admitted in the District of Columbia and Virginia, he also serves as General Counsel to the Property Management Association.

Gwen Roy-Harrison, Principal & Co-Chair of the DEI Committee at Offit Kurman, represents rental housing providers, developers and property owners in landlord-tenant and regulatory matters. Her work is focused on compliance with the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Gwen advises clients on HUD complaints, state and…

Gwen Roy-Harrison, Principal & Co-Chair of the DEI Committee at Offit Kurman, represents rental housing providers, developers and property owners in landlord-tenant and regulatory matters. Her work is focused on compliance with the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Gwen advises clients on HUD complaints, state and local discrimination investigations, reasonable accommodation requests and risk mitigation strategies, including proactive compliance counseling. She conducts fair housing training across D.C., Maryland and Virginia, offering screening policies guidance, reasonable accommodations and standards of practice for operations. Gwen combines courtroom experience with operational insight, helping housing providers navigate compliance strategically.

Jennifer Jean-Gilles, Principal and real estate attorney at Offit, representing property owners in residential and commercial landlord-tenant matters, with a focus on compliance, fair housing, lease enforcement and risk management. She also brings valuable operational experience from managing affordable housing communities, including Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties and recertification compliance. Jennifer also served as a prosecutor with the D.C. Office of the Attorney General and the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, where she tried numerous bench and jury cases. She is committed to practice in the District of Columbia and is an advocate for protecting D.C. affordable housing supply.