Reasonable Accommodation
Reasonable Accommodation is when a disabled renter asks the property manager to make a change to the home or policies that allows them equal opportunity to enjoy their home. The Fair Housing Act makes it illegal for a landlord or property manager to deny a Reasonable Accommodation. However, figuring out what is reasonable and what is not can create conflict. Here are some examples:
Examples of Reasonable Accommodations
- Using a service animal or companion animal at a property where pets are not allowed
- Installing a grab bar in the bathroom for someone with mobility impairments
- Getting a reserved parking space closer to the door for someone with mobility impairments
What is considered unreasonable?
An accommodation is considered unreasonable if it creates an undue financial or administrative burden on the housing provider, or if it requires a fundamental alteration in the nature of its operations.
What is the correct way to ask a landlord for a Reasonable Accommodation?
A renter simply has to ask! The request for a reasonable accommodation does NOT have to be in writing. The landlord can request verification (like a doctor's note) that the renter is disabled and needs to accommodation to enjoy their home or community. However, the property manager is NOT allowed to ask about the nature, extent, or severity of the renter's disability.
What if the landlord does not respond to the request or denies a request that is reasonable?
If the property manager does not respond to the reasonable accommodation request in a reasonable amount of time, the delay could be considered as a failure to provide a reasonable accommodation. If a reasonable accommodation (that actually is reasonable) is denied, a renter can file a fair housing complaint by calling 1-800-765-9372.