Last week I described how liability for design/build claims under the FHA can last forever. The same problem exists with design/build claims under the ADA, as shown by the decision in Frame v. City of Arlington. There are even surprises with the statute of limitations for barrier removal cases. For example, after a plaintiff encounters an access barrier he can wait as long as he wants before filing suit. In Pickern v. Holiday Quality Foods the Ninth Circuit said that as long as the plaintiff is aware of the discriminatory condition and is deterred from returning to the building the violation of the ADA continues. In Pickern the plaintiff had driven to the store within the limitations period, and although he remained in his car there was some evidence of real deterrence. Nonetheless, the rule stated in Pickern would allow a plaintiff to stew at home for as many years or decades as she chose before filing suit. More
FHA
Squabbles and Battles – when winning matters.
By richardhunt in Accessibility Litigation Trends, ADA FHA General, ADA FHA Litigation General, FHA, Statute of Limitatinos Tags: FHA ADA litigation "statute of limitations" strategy DOJ "attorney general" enforcement
This week two district courts, one in Oregon and one in Florida, confronted defendants determined to make sure that no one would be allowed to know whether they had violated the FHA or ADA. One seems to involve only a pointless squabble that increased legal expenses for no good purpose. The other shows how a battle over discovery can provide a real victory for the property owner. More
Not as private as you think.
By richardhunt in ADA FHA General, FHA, Multi-Family, Residential Development
The 2010 ADA Standards were big news for commercial developers, retailers and others whose businesses are open to the public. They seem far less important to residential developers, because on their face they don’t apply, or apply only in limited places, like a leasing or sales office.There is, however, an easy to overlook application of the ADA Standards that creates a trap for the unwary. With a single phone call making a perfectly sensible business decision the manager of a Home Owners Association can turn private amenities into public accomodations that must comply with the ADA. More