What a reasonable accommodation is
A reasonable accommodation is a change to a property's rules, policies, practices, or services that's necessary for a person with a disability to use and enjoy their home on equal terms with other residents. It's a legal right under the Fair Housing Act and (in HUD-funded properties) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Examples
Allowing a service or assistance animal in a no-pets building. Reserving a parking space close to the unit. Adjusting the rent due date to align with the day a benefit check arrives. Permitting a live-in aide. Communicating in writing rather than by phone. Allowing a unit transfer to ground-floor housing. None of these requests require disclosing the underlying diagnosis — only that a disability exists and the accommodation is necessary.
Reasonable modifications (vs. accommodations)
A modification is a physical change to the unit or common areas — grab bars, a ramp, a roll-in shower. In HUD-funded properties, the property generally pays for modifications. In privately funded buildings, the tenant pays unless the modification is required to make the unit accessible at first occupancy.
How to request
Put the request in writing — email is fine. State that you (or a household member) have a disability, what accommodation you need, and why it's necessary. Attach a brief letter from a doctor, therapist, or social worker confirming that you have a disability and that the requested accommodation is reasonable. The provider does not have to disclose the diagnosis.
Sample language
"I am writing to request a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act. I have a disability that affects [describe functional limitation, not diagnosis]. To use and enjoy my unit on equal terms with other residents, I am requesting [the specific accommodation]. Attached is a letter from my healthcare provider confirming that I have a disability and that this accommodation is necessary. Please let me know if you need additional information. I would appreciate a written response within 30 days."
What the property can — and can't — ask
The property can ask for verification that you have a disability and that the accommodation is necessary. It cannot ask about the nature or severity of your disability, request medical records, or require you to use its preferred verification form. If your disability is obvious (e.g., you use a wheelchair), no verification is required.
When the property can deny
Properties can only deny a request if it would impose an undue financial or administrative burden, fundamentally alter the program, or pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others that cannot be eliminated through accommodation. Properties cannot deny on the basis of "policy" alone — that's the entire point of the law.
If you're denied
Ask the denial in writing. Then file a complaint with HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at hud.gov, your state fair-housing agency, or a private fair-housing advocacy organization. Complaints must be filed within one year of the denial. Most are resolved through conciliation in months, not years.
Where to next
If you're acting on this guide, the next two stops on RentReady are the income-eligibility page and the application checklist. Then drill into your state's directory to find buildings in your city.