Housing Protection for those Suffering from Panic and Anxiety Disorder

Although unknown to the average sufferer of mental illness, federal statutes and case law protects those with mental illness from being evicted after requesting reasonable accommodation for their illness.  This includes all physical and mental disabilities, including depressive disorders, panic and anxiety disorders such as PTSD, and more.  If a landlord evicts a tenant after that tenant has requested accommodation for their disability and his or her disability is the main reason for eviction, that landlord has broken federal housing law and the evicted tenant can seek redress in court.  Sufferers of panic and anxiety disorder should know their rights when facing eviction or other housing troubles. 

These laws apply to all housing, whether it is publicly or privately owned and operated.  For the law to apply, the tenant must be up to date with rent payments, or be lawfully withholding such payments because of the landlord's failing to comply with the laws covering disabled tenants or because of failing to comply with housing codes of the particular state or local authority.  Panic and anxiety is often felt when dealing with issues such as these, but it is important for those with disabilities to be aware of protections from their local, state, and federal government.

Every state should have a Landlord and Tenant Act which governs the relationship between landlord and tenant and issues guidelines with regard to disabled renters and their rights.  However, there are some exceptions to the law.  For example, these rules may not apply to housing providers with under five units, such as a homeowner renting out a room or when renting an apartment in a triplex or duplex.  Check with a local housing attorney to see if your case qualifies for redress or compensation.

Those with panic and anxiety disorders should not be afraid or intimidated when dealing with housing providers.  As with any other physical or mental disability, panic and anxiety disorders qualify a person for protection when it comes to housing.

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