As a Belleview landlord for a single-family residence, you need to comply with the Federal Fair Housing Act’s requirement to give ‘reasonable accommodations’ not only to residents with disabilities but also to residents residing with or are involved with disabled people. However, what is ‘reasonable accommodation’ and what would be ‘unreasonable’?
To begin with, ‘reasonable accommodation’ could be for physical aspects of the rental property and might deal with simple changes, like lowering towel bars and light switches or a smoke detector that has flashing lights along with an audible alarm. Additionally, the renter would pay for both the installation and removal of these accommodations.
In addition to accommodations to the property’s physical components, you may be asked to give ‘reasonable accommodation’ on the administrative side. For example, you might have a resident with a mental disability affecting their memory. This resident may ask that you call each month to remind them to pay the rent. This would be regarded as reasonable.
Now, let’s look at an instance of what could be considered ‘unreasonable’. One of the main considerations in this regard is if the accommodation would make it hard on you as a housing provider. For example, suppose you own a two-story single-family rental property and a resident with a physical disability requests that you install an elevator. This could be denied as it requires major construction and would cost a lot.
An unreasonable accommodation request could emerge on the administrative side as well. Say you own a single-family residence and get a request from a possible resident with a mental impairment to call them each morning and evening to remind them to switch the outdoor lights on at night and off in the morning. You as a landlord could refuse this request as this could be considered unreasonable.
Real Property Management Diversified is proficient about the Fair Housing Act requirements and how they apply to you as a Belleview landlord with a single-family home. We can aid you in managing these requirements to make certain that you are in compliance when renting to individuals with disabilities. Would you like to learn more? For more information, please contact us online or call us at 352-854-2221.
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.
