As a landlord of a single-family residence, you are, certainly, required to comply with the Federal Fair Housing Act, which requires that you permit “reasonable accommodations” for not only disabled residents but, on top of that, for those who live with or are connected with individuals with disabilities. On the other hand, what, obviously, characterizes as a “reasonable accommodation,” and how can you discover what would be considered “unreasonable”?
What is considered a reasonable accommodation?
To start with, “reasonable accommodation” can allude to physical changes made to a rental home. This might include basic modifications, such as lowering towel bars and light switches or setting up a smoke alarm with flashing lights along with an audible alarm. In addition, the resident is typically responsible for the costs that are clearly related to outfitting and taking away these accommodations.
Aside from making physical accommodations to the residence, you may also be needed to provide “reasonable accommodations” on the administrative side. For example, if you have a resident with a mental disability that truly affects their memory, they might request that you call them each month to promptly remind them to pay their rent. This request would be considered reasonable.
What is considered an unreasonable accommodation?
Let’s think of an example of what might be deemed ‘unreasonable.’ An essential key factor in this assessment is whether the requested accommodation would cause significant hardship for you as a housing provider. To cite an instance, think that you own a two-story single-family rental home and receive a request to install an elevator for a tenant with a physical disability. You could reasonably deny this request, as it would count as significant construction work and could be costly.
An unreasonable accommodation request can also happen on the administrative side. For illustration, if you own a single-family residence and take in a request from a potential resident with a mental impairment requesting you to call them each and every morning and evening to, at a suitable time, remind them to turn the exterior lights on at night and off in the morning, this request could be deemed unreasonable. As a landlord, you would have the right to deny this request.
Landlords must comprehend the difference between reasonable and unreasonable accommodations under the Federal Fair Housing Act. Watchfully supporting residents with disabilities is essential, but landlords should also know their limits about requests that may impose considerable burdens. By communicating openly and watchfully accommodating within reasonable limits, landlords can create an inclusive environment while conscientiously safeguarding their interests.
Real Property Management Excellence properly comprehends the Fair Housing Act and how it seriously affects you as a single-family homeowner in Garner and nearby. We can significantly help you correctly understand these rules to ensure compliance when renting to individuals with disabilities. If you want to know more, please contact us online or at 919-827-1107.
Originally Published on May 11, 2018
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.
