As a landlord of a single-family residence, you are, for sure, required to comply with the Federal Fair Housing Act, which compels you to offer “reasonable accommodations” for not only disabled residents but, indeed, also for those who live with or are related closely to individuals with disabilities. But, however, what precisely should be looked upon as a “reasonable accommodation,” and how can you know what would be considered “unreasonable”?
What is considered a reasonable accommodation?
Let’s get the ball rolling by saying, “reasonable accommodation” can speak of whatever physical changes made to a rental home. This might include basic modifications, such as lowering towel bars and light switches or carefully furnishing a smoke alarm with flashing lights along with an audible alarm. More than that, the resident is typically responsible for the costs closely related to installing and pulling out these accommodations.
Added to making physical accommodations to the residence, you may likewise be called to provide “reasonable accommodations” on the administrative side. Such as, for instance, if you have a resident with a mental disability that terribly affects their memory, they might request that you call them each month to conveniently remind them to pay their rent. This request would be considered reasonable.
What is considered an unreasonable accommodation?
Let’s inspect an example of what might be deemed ‘unreasonable.’ A fundamental key factor in this deliberation is whether the requested accommodation would cause significant hardship for you as a housing provider. By way of example, seriously imagine 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 need significant construction work and be costly.
An unreasonable accommodation request can also certainly arise on the administrative side. By way of illustration, if you own a single-family residence and find a request from a potential resident with a mental impairment requesting you to call them every morning and evening to remind them, in a timely manner, 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 determine the difference between reasonable and unreasonable accommodations under the Federal Fair Housing Act. Earnestly supporting residents with disabilities is very important, but landlords should also find out their limits when it comes to requests that may impose immense burdens. By communicating openly and certainly accommodating within reasonable limits, landlords can create an inclusive environment while mindfully safeguarding their interests.
Real Property Management Presidential thoroughly understands the Fair Housing Act and how it hugely affects you as a single-family homeowner in Charlottesville and nearby. We can completely help you appropriately understand these rules to ensure compliance when renting to individuals with disabilities. If you want to know more pertinent info, please contact us online or at 434-422-5591.
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.
