As a landlord of a single-family home, you are legally obligated to follow the Federal Fair Housing Act, which mandates allowing “reasonable accommodations” not only for tenants with disabilities but also for those associated with them. But what exactly qualifies as a “reasonable accommodation” and how can you tell if a request goes too far?
What is considered a reasonable accommodation?
First, “reasonable accommodation” may refer to physical alterations to the rental property. This may involve simple changes like lowering towel bars and switches or installing a smoke alarm with both flashing lights and sound. Typically, residents bear the cost of installing and later removing these modifications.
Beyond physical changes, you may also need to make administrative accommodations. For instance, a tenant with a memory-affecting mental disability might ask for a monthly phone reminder to pay rent. Such a request is typically seen as reasonable.
What is considered an unreasonable accommodation?
Let’s consider a situation that could be viewed as “unreasonable.” A major factor in determining reasonableness is whether the requested accommodation places an undue burden on the landlord. For example, if a tenant with a physical disability in your two-story rental asks you to install an elevator. This could be reasonably denied due to the high cost and scale of construction.
Unreasonable administrative requests can occur as well. For example, a prospective tenant with a mental impairment might ask you to call them every morning and night to remind them to turn outside lights on and off– such a request would be unreasonable. You’re within your rights to deny such a request.
It’s crucial for landlords to understand what counts as reasonable versus unreasonable under the Fair Housing Act. While it’s important to accommodate disabled residents, landlords must recognize when requests become overly burdensome. Through clear communication and reasonable flexibility, landlords can foster inclusion while protecting their rights.
Real Property Management Suburban Chicago understands how the Fair Housing Act impacts single-family homeowners in Franklin Park and the surrounding areas. We’re here to guide you through these regulations to help ensure full compliance when renting to disabled tenants. To learn more, reach out to us online or by calling 847-455-9500.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
