Fair Housing Act
The Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) officially recognized in March of 1992 that Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and Environmental Illness "can constitute handicaps" under the Fair Housing Act.
Those who are hypersensitive to chemicals and electromagnetic fields face a uniqe set of challenges. MCS is a progressive condition, which means that over time those affected react to a wider range of substances with an ever worsening constellation of symptoms, which also get worse over time.
At the lower end of the severity scale, it is possible to tolerate living in an apartment, condo, or townhome. However, some modifications or enforcement of rules may become necessary, depending on individual circumstances. As long as your requests are "reasonable," you have the full weight of the law behind you.
As individuals become more and more disabled by a growing list of triggers, their needs quickly become "unreasonable." You may be able to restrict the kind of paint your neighbor uses but you can't force them to use (or refrain from using) particular laundry products, or perfume, for example.
Those with advanced MCS often find themselves living in tents, shacks, or other makshift structures. Some live in their cars or camp in the back yard of a friend. Unfortunately, HUD can't help them secure their rights.
Even so, there are effective ways to cope. Structures built before 1945 are especially in demand by sensitives. MCSHelp.org provides resources for suitable shelter locations and structures.