Groner v. Golden Gate Gardens Apartments

Howard Groner (plaintiff) suffered from schizophrenia and depression. Groner rented an apartment from Golden Gate Gardens Apartments (Golden Gate) (defendant). Diane Arter lived in the apartment located directly above Groner’s apartment. Arter filed numerous complaints with Golden Gate because Groner screamed and slammed doors at all hours of the day and night. Eventually, Golden Gate provided Groner with a notice to vacate his apartment. Ray Gonzalez, Groner’s social worker, informed Golden Gate that he was providing counseling to Groner in an attempt to modify Groner’s behavior. Additionally, Groner requested two accommodations from Golden Gate. The first requested accommodation entailed Golden Gate allowing Groner to remain in his apartment for 12 months while he continued to receive counseling from Gonzalez. The second requested accommodation involved Golden Gate contacting Gonzalez immediately upon the receipt of any complaints about Groner. Golden Gate permitted Groner to remain in his apartment for a few months while he continued to receive counseling from Gonzalez. But during this period, Arter continued to complain about Groner’s screaming and slamming of doors. Moreover, Golden Gate contacted Gonzalez several times about Groner’s disruptive behavior. Yet Groner still screamed and slammed doors on a regular basis. Because the problem had not been resolved, Golden Gate provided Groner with another notice to vacate. Subsequently, Groner brought suit against Golden Gate, contending that it violated the Fair Housing Act (FHA). The district court granted summary judgment in favor of Golden Gate. Groner appealed.