As an Evansville landlord with a single-family residence, you need to follow the Federal Fair Housing Act’s requirement to allow ‘reasonable accommodations’ not only to disabled renters but to renters who live with or are associated with disabled individuals as well. Then again, what is ‘reasonable accommodation’ and what is ‘unreasonable’?
First, ‘reasonable accommodation’ could be for the rental home’s physical aspects and may include basic modifications, like lowering light switches and towel bars or a smoke alarm that has flashing lights together with loud sounds. Additionally, the resident would shoulder payment for both the installation and removal of these accommodations.
Aside from the accommodations to the physical elements of the property, you may be asked to give ‘reasonable accommodation’ on administrative matters. For instance, you could have a renter with a mental disability affecting their memory. This resident might ask that you call to remind them to pay rent every month. This is considered reasonable.
Now, let’s discuss a situation that could be deemed ‘unreasonable.’ In this regard, one of the primary considerations is whether the accommodation will make it hard for you as a housing provider. For example, say you own a two-story single-family rental home and a resident requests that you install an elevator to accommodate their physical disability. This can be denied as it would entail major construction and cost a lot.
An unreasonable accommodation request can 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 turn the outdoor lights on at night and off in the morning. This could be considered unreasonable and you as the landlord could reject this request.
Real Property Management Results is well-versed in the requirements of the Fair Housing Act and how they affect you as an Evansville landlord with a single-family residence. We can help you handle these requirements to ensure that you are in compliance when renting to persons with disabilities. Would you like to find out more? Please contact us online or call us at 812-461-1676 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.
