Summer 2026

Join PHRC for an upcoming

Fair Housing Empower Hour session

We have some great guest speakers joining for our summer Fair Housing Empower Hour sessions, exploring key issues that impact access and opportunity to housing. Join us for these free sessions to learn how you can advance fair housing opportunities.

July 29, 2026: Appraisal Bias: From Impact to Opportunity. Register here to attend.

August 26, 2026: Do-It-Together Housing: Creating Affordable Housing Through Community Cooperation. Register here to attend.

Questions? Contact Brittany Mellinger at bmellinger@pa.gov.

Test your Fair Housing Knowledge!

Question:

Which protected characteristic is NOT covered by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission

a. Age (40+)

b. Veteran Status

c. Sex

d. Familial Status

Check out the answer at the bottom of the newsletter!

PHRC Housing Case Spotlight:

Emotional Support Animals

In May 2026, the PHRC closed a housing case, which was filed because a housing provider threatened to evict a tenant with a disability because of their need to have an emotional support animal in their housing. The Commission found probable cause.

A conciliation was reached before a public hearing was held. The housing provider agreed to provide the reasonable accommodation to the tenant, and to participate in anti-discrimination training facilitated by the Commission.

If you have questions about your fair housing rights or responsibilities, call PHRC's Fair Housing Line: 1-855-866-5718.

Do you live or work in Beaver, Butler, or Lawrence County?

PHRC and the Fair Housing Law Center are hosting a Fair Housing Roundtable in Butler, PA, focusing on housing needs in Beaver, Butler, and Lawrence Counties.

Join us on August 13, 2026, from 10am- 12pm as we discuss fair housing protections, concerns, and resources.

You can register to join us here.

Questions? Contact Brittany Mellinger at bmellinger@pa.gov.

Test Your Fair Housing Knowledge!

Answer:

B - Veteran Status. While local human relations ordinances may include protections for individuals with Veteran Status, it is not included as a protected class under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.

Want to learn more? Check out the training programs on our website, or send us an email. You can also get answers to your fair housing questions on PHRC's Fair Housing Line: 855-866-5718.

Harrisburg, PA 17101-2210

(717) 787-9537