Disabilities (and Reasonable Accommodations)

While certain housing is exempt from fair housing laws, it is generally a violation of fair housing laws for anyone to deny you housing because you have a mental or physical disability. Federal and state fair housing laws protect people with both mental and physical disabilities that substantially limit at least one major life activity. Not only can you not be discriminated against on the basis of your disability, but you are also entitled to reasonable accommodations that may be necessary for you to fully use and enjoy your housing. For example, although landlords are not responsible for the cost (such as putting in grab bars or widening a door), they must give you permission to make physical changes to your apartment if you need them to fully enjoy your housing. Similarly, landlords must also make reasonable exceptions to rules or practices that interfere with your ability to live comfortably in your home. For example, if you need to make an extra key so a friend can come to help you, the landlord has to bend the rule that only tenants may have keys. If you can't hear a smoke alarm, the landlord must install visual alarms in public areas and must let you put one in your apartment.

Reasonable accommodations are not gifts from your landlord; they are your right. So be suspicious if you hear anything resembling the following from your landlord:

• I don't really want all those changes - a ramp, grab bars; that's too much; or
• We can't have mentally retarded people living here. Who will take care of them? It will make the neighbors uncomfortable; or
• How can I be sure you'll pay the rent? or
• I'd like to rent to you, but my insurance will go up; or
• We have a no-pets rule and that includes your guide dog; or
• I'll need to see your medical records; or
• Your wheelchair will damage the carpet and if there's a fire you won't be able to get out.

Always make your request for an accommodation clear and put it in writing.