A reasonable accommodation is a change to a landlord's rules, policies, or services so a tenant with a disability has equal use and enjoyment of their home. Examples include allowing an assistance animal despite a no-pets policy or assigning a closer parking spot. Under fair housing law, landlords generally must grant accommodations unless they cause an undue burden or fundamentally change the housing.
In short
A reasonable accommodation is a change to a landlord's rules, policies, or services so a tenant with a disability has equal use and enjoyment of their home. Examples include allowing an assistance animal despite a no-pets policy or assigning a closer parking spot. Under fair housing law, landlords generally must grant accommodations unless they cause an undue burden or fundamentally change the housing.
The right accommodation can be the difference between keeping your home and losing it. Knowing how to ask and what landlords must consider protects your access to housing.
It is a change to rules or policies, not the physical structure
Fair housing law generally requires landlords to consider requests
Requests can be made by the tenant or someone on their behalf
Landlords may ask for proof of a disability-related need if not obvious
Allowing an assistance animal is a common accommodation
Landlords can deny only if it is an undue burden or fundamental change
Ask your landlord, ideally in writing, explaining the change you need and that it relates to a disability. You do not have to use special wording, but documenting the request helps if there is a dispute.
Generally no. Charging extra fees or deposits because of a needed accommodation, such as for an assistance animal, can itself be a fair housing violation.
An accommodation changes a rule or policy, like waiving a no-pets rule. A modification is a physical change to the unit, such as installing grab bars; different rules can apply to each.
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