Under the Fair Housing Act, housing providers are required to make reasonable accommodations and allow reasonable modifications for individuals with disabilities. Here's what you need to know about reasonable accommodations and modifications:
- Reasonable Accommodations: A reasonable accommodation is a change, exception, or adjustment to a housing provider's rules, policies, practices, or services that may be necessary for an individual with a disability to have equal access to housing. Examples of reasonable accommodations may include allowing an assistance animal in a "no pets" policy, providing reserved parking spaces for individuals with mobility impairments, or offering alternative communication methods for individuals with hearing impairments.
- Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation: Individuals with disabilities have the right to request a reasonable accommodation from their housing provider. The request can be made verbally or in writing, and it should clearly state the accommodation needed due to the individual's disability. Housing providers are required to engage in an interactive process with the individual to determine if the requested accommodation is reasonable and can be provided without causing undue hardship.
- Reasonable Modifications: A reasonable modification is a physical change to the premises or common areas that is necessary to allow a person with a disability to fully use and enjoy the dwelling. Unlike reasonable accommodations, which are specific to an individual's needs, reasonable modifications are more permanent alterations to the physical environment. Examples of reasonable modifications may include installing grab bars in the bathroom, widening doorways for wheelchair accessibility, or installing a ramp for entry.
- Financial Responsibility: While housing providers are generally responsible for the cost of reasonable accommodations, individuals with disabilities are typically responsible for the cost of reasonable modifications. However, in some cases, funding or assistance programs may be available to help cover the costs of modifications.
- Interactive Process: The interactive process is an ongoing dialogue between the individual with a disability and the housing provider to determine the appropriate accommodation or modification. It is important for both parties to engage in good faith communication, explore potential options, and reach an agreement that ensures equal access and reasonable accommodation for the individual.