As a Roosevelt landlord for a single-family property, you need to comply with the Federal Fair Housing Act’s requirement to give ‘reasonable accommodations’ not only to disabled residents but also to residents who stay with or are associated with people with disabilities. But, what is ‘reasonable accommodation’ and what would ‘unreasonable’ be?
First of all, ‘reasonable accommodation’ could concern physical aspects of the rental home and may include simple adjustments, such as lowering towel rods and light switches or a smoke detector that has flashing lights along with an audible alarm. Additionally, the resident would shoulder the expenses for both the installation and removal of these accommodations.
On top of these accommodations to the physical aspects of the property, you could be asked to offer ‘reasonable accommodation’ on administrative matters. For example, you might have a renter that has a mental disability affecting their memory. This renter may request that you call every month to remind them to pay rent. This would be regarded as reasonable.
Now, let’s look at an instance of what could be deemed ‘unreasonable.’ One of the key issues in this respect is whether the accommodation would be burdensome for you as a housing provider. For instance, say you own a two-story single-family rental home and receive a request that you put in an elevator for somebody with a physical disability. This could be refused as it would require major construction and be pricey.
An unreasonable accommodation request might develop on the administrative side too. Suppose you own a single-family home and a potential resident with a mental impairment asks you to call them each morning and evening to remind them to switch the exterior lights off in the morning and on at night. This could be considered unreasonable and you as the landlord can refuse this request.
Real Property Management Uintah knows the Fair Housing Act requirements very well and how they concern you as a Roosevelt landlord with a single-family home. We can aid you in navigating these requirements to guarantee that you are in compliance when renting to individuals with disabilities. Would you like to find out more? Please contact us online or call us at 435-214-4686 for more information.
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.
