Appleton landlords settle federal lawsuit over emotional support animal discrimination for $20,000

APPLETON (NBC 26) — A federal housing discrimination case involving emotional support animals has been settled, with Appleton landlords agreeing to pay $20,000 and undergo Fair Housing Act training after being accused of discriminating against a tenant with mental health disabilities.

Appleton landlords settle federal lawsuit over emotional support animal discrimination for $20,000

The case centered on Ashlee Crosno, who lived in the duplex with her husband and children for eight years. According to federal housing officials, her request for six animals as part of her mental health treatment led to lease notices, fines, and the threat of eviction.

"We had never heard of six emotional support animals as a reasonable accommodation," said the Estradas, the property owners.

Those animals w