As a landlord of a single-family residence, you are, actually, required to comply with the Federal Fair Housing Act, which calls you to approve “reasonable accommodations” for not only disabled residents but, as a matter of fact, also for those who live with or are affiliated with individuals with disabilities. Nonetheless, what, plainly, can be counted as a “reasonable accommodation,” and how can you check out what would be considered “unreasonable”?
What is considered a reasonable accommodation?
Primarily, “reasonable accommodation” can apply to physical changes made to a rental home. This might include basic modifications, such as lowering towel bars and light switches or putting up a smoke alarm with flashing lights along with an audible alarm. In addition to this, the resident is typically responsible for the costs directly related to properly setting up and taking away these accommodations.
Other than making physical accommodations to the residence, you might also be asked to provide “reasonable accommodations” on the administrative side. As an instance, if you have a resident with a mental disability that, in fact, affects their memory, they might request that you call them each month to easily remind them to pay their rent. This request would be considered reasonable.
What is considered an unreasonable accommodation?
Let’s reflect on an example of what might be deemed ‘unreasonable.’ A vital factor in this consideration is whether the requested accommodation would cause significant hardship for you as a housing provider. Such as, visualize 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 comprise significant construction work and be costly.
An unreasonable accommodation request can also transpire on the administrative side. Take one example, if you own a single-family residence and get a request from a potential resident with a mental impairment desiring for you to call them every single morning and evening to heedfully 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 take in the difference between reasonable and unreasonable accommodations under the Federal Fair Housing Act. Thoroughly supporting residents with disabilities is major, but landlords should also realize their limits with reference to requests that may impose serious burdens. By communicating openly and attentively accommodating within reasonable limits, landlords can create an inclusive environment while suitably safeguarding their interests.
Real Property Management Paradise is properly aware of the Fair Housing Act and how it acutely affects you as a single-family homeowner in Inverness and nearby. We can tremendously help you firmly understand these rules to ensure compliance when renting to individuals with disabilities. If you want to explore more, please contact us online or at 352-565-4303.
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.
