- Are you recovering from opioid use disorder,
sometimes called OUD,
but now you're having problems finding a place to live?
Here are three things you need to know.
Number 1, substance abuse disorders like OUD
are considered a disability under the Fair Housing Act,
so you do have rights when it comes to housing.
Number 2, if you find that a potential landlord
refuses to rent to you because you are in OUD recovery,
that's illegal, that's discrimination,
but you do have some options.
You can deal with this by filing a complaint
with the Department of Housing and Urban Development,
you might know it as HUD,
and also maybe your state or city.
Now, that might sound hard to do,
but in a minute, I'll tell you how you can call us
to get help with that.
And the third thing you need to know,
if a landlord turns you away
because of a criminal record you have
because of past opioid use,
you can ask for an exception,
or what is called a reasonable accommodation.
Your letter to your landlord asking for an exception
should include at least these five things.
First, how OUD impacted your life
and led to the criminal charges.
Next, your date of sobriety.
Also, it's good to include the steps you've taken
and are still taking to stay sober.
For instance, treatment,
NA meetings or having a sponsor.
Another thing to include
is how having a stable place to live
is critical in helping you to stay clean.
And finally, a letter of support
from a medical or mental health provider,
social worker or someone who knows you well enough
to explain why you need the accommodation.
My name is Kiah,
and I'm a lawyer with Disability Rights Texas.
I'm here to let you know that we have free resources
on our website
to help you with filing a complaint
or writing a letter to a landlord
asking for a reasonable accommodation.
Just visit www.DRTx.org/OUDrecovery,
or you can call us for free help
at 1-800-252-9108.
Congratulations on being on the road to recovery.
Call us if we can help.