On March 3, 2015, two women affected by various disabilities filed this lawsuit in the District Court of Colorado under the Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. § 3601. The plaintiffs sued Katchen and Company, a real estate management company. The plaintiffs, represented by legal services counsel, asked the court for a declaration that Katchen had violated the Federal Housing Act and appropriate equitable relief, claiming that Katchen had discriminated against the plaintiffs on the basis of their respective disabilities. Both plaintiffs had rented apartments from Katchen, only to be threatened with eviction because of their use of service dogs.

Both plaintiffs suffered from various physical and mental disabilities, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, severe diabetes, fibromyalgia and bipolar disorder. Upon renting from Katchen, both had supplied requested documentation concerning their service animals. Months after they had occupied their respective apartments, the plaintiffs each received a "Notice to Quite for Substantial Violation," citing the building's policy against pets.

On April 30, 2015, both parties filed a notice of settlement. On June 1, 2015, the Court (Judge R. Brooke Jackson) dismissed the case, ordering each party to pay their own attorney's fees.

Under the settlement, both plaintiffs were allowed to remain in their apartments with their service animals, without threat of future eviction. The settlement is confidential.

Asma Husain - 09/26/2015


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