Carson Landlords: What is ‘Reasonable Accommodation’ for Disabled Residents?

The Federal Fair Housing Act requires all Carson landlords with single-family residences to allow ‘reasonable accommodations’ not only to disabled residents but also to those who live with or are associated with disabled individuals who reside in their property. So what is this ‘reasonable accommodations’ and how do we identify the ‘unreasonable’ ones?

To begin with, ‘reasonable accommodation’ may be for the physical elements of the rental home, and might include basic modifications, such as lowering towel bars and light switches, or a smoke alarm that has flashing lights in addition to an audible alarm. Additionally, the resident would pay for both the installation and removal of these accommodations.

Aside from the accommodations with regards to how the physical appearance of the property may be, you may also be required to provide ‘reasonable accommodations’ on the administrative side. For example, you might have a resident with a mental disability that affects their memory. This resident might request that you call each month to remind them to pay the rent. This would be considered reasonable.

Now let’s look at an example of what might be considered ‘unreasonable’. One of the key considerations in this respect is whether the accommodation would impose hardship on you as a housing provider. For example, suppose you own a two-story single-family rental house and receive a request that you install an elevator for a person with a physical disability. This could be not be granted as it would require major construction and cost a great deal for you as the provider of the housing.

An unreasonable accommodation request could appear on the administrative side as well. Suppose you own a single-family residence and receive a request from a potential resident with a mental impairment to call them each morning and evening to remind them to turn the exterior lights on at night and off in the morning. This could be considered unreasonable and you as a landlord could deny this request.

Real Property Management California Coast is well-versed in the Fair Housing Act requirements and how they apply to you as a Carson landlord with a single-family residence. We can help you navigate these requirements to ensure that you are in compliance when renting to individuals with disabilities. Would you like to learn more? Please contact us online or call us at 310-535-2150 for more information.