As a Rolesville landlord with single-family properties, you must follow the Federal Fair Housing Act’s requirement to allow ‘reasonable accommodations’ to both disabled residents and residents who live with or are involved with people with disabilities. But, what is ‘reasonable accommodation’ and what would ‘unreasonable’ be?
To begin with, ‘reasonable accommodation’ may be for the rental property’s physical components and may include basic changes, like lowering towel rods and light switches or a smoke detector that has flashing lights in addition to an audible alarm. Also, the renter would pay for both the putting in and removing 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 resident may request that you call to remind them to pay the rent each month. This is considered reasonable.
Now, let’s explore an example of what might be thought of as ‘unreasonable.’ One of the key considerations in this respect is whether the accommodation would impose hardship on you as a housing provider. For example, imagine you have a two-story single-family rental property and receive a request that you put in an elevator for an individual with a physical disability. This could be refused as it would require major construction and be pricey.
An unreasonable accommodation request can develop on the administrative matters as well. Let’s assume you own a single-family residence and get a request from a possible resident with a mental impairment to give them a call every day to remind them to turn the exterior lights on at night and off in the morning. This can be regarded as unreasonable and you, as a landlord, can deny this request.
Real Property Management Raleigh knows the Fair Housing Act requirements very well and how they apply to you as a Rolesville landlord with a single-family home. We can help you navigate these requirements to make sure that you are in compliance when renting to people with disabilities. Would you like to find out more? Please contact us online or call us at 919-481-0008 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.
