How to Request a Reasonable Accommodation

If you have a disability and need a change to your housing rules, policies, or physical space to have equal access to your home, you have the right to request a "reasonable accommodation" under the Fair Housing Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. This is a powerful right, and it applies whether you're in private market housing, public housing, Section 8, or any federally-assisted program. Here's how to use it.

What Is a Reasonable Accommodation?

A reasonable accommodation is a change to a rule, policy, practice, or service that allows a person with a disability to have equal use and enjoyment of their housing. Some examples:

• A "no pets" policy being waived for a tenant who needs an assistance animal
• A reserved parking spot closer to the entrance for a tenant with mobility limitations
• Permission to have a live-in aide when the lease normally limits occupants
• A different method of receiving lease notices (email instead of posted notices) for a tenant with a visual impairment
• An extension on a Section 8 housing search deadline due to disability-related barriers
• Allowing a tenant to install a grab bar in the bathroom at their own expense

The key concept is that the change must be necessary because of the disability and must be "reasonable" — meaning it doesn't impose an undue financial or administrative burden on the housing provider or fundamentally alter the nature of the housing program.

Who Can Request One

You can request a reasonable accommodation if you have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. This includes, but is not limited to: mobility impairments, visual or hearing impairments, chronic illnesses, mental health conditions (depression, PTSD, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia), intellectual and developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders (in recovery).

You do not need to be receiving disability benefits (SSI, SSDI) to qualify. You do not need a specific diagnosis letter at the time of your request — though you may need to provide supporting documentation if the disability and need are not obvious. More on that below.

Step 1: Identify What You Need

Before making your request, be clear about what specific change you need and how it relates to your disability. You don't need to disclose your diagnosis — you need to explain the connection between your disability-related limitation and the accommodation you're requesting.

For example: "Due to my mobility limitation, I need a parking space near the building entrance." You're describing the functional limitation (mobility) and the specific accommodation (closer parking), without needing to name the underlying condition.

Step 2: Make Your Request in Writing

While you can make a reasonable accommodation request verbally, always follow up in writing. A written request creates a record and makes it harder for the housing provider to claim they didn't know about your need.

Your letter or email should include:

1. Your name, address, and unit number
2. A statement that you are requesting a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act
3. A description of the accommodation you need (be specific)
4. An explanation of how the accommodation is connected to your disability (you can describe functional limitations without naming your diagnosis)
5. A request for a response within a reasonable timeframe (14 days is standard)

Here's a template you can adapt:

Dear [Landlord/Property Manager/Housing Authority],

I am writing to request a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. § 3604) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. I am a person with a disability, and I need the following accommodation to have equal use and enjoyment of my housing:

[Describe the specific accommodation you need]

This accommodation is necessary because [describe how the accommodation relates to your disability-related limitation — you do not need to disclose your specific diagnosis].

I am happy to provide supporting documentation from a qualified professional if needed. Please respond to this request within 14 days. Thank you for your prompt attention.

Sincerely,
[Your name]

Keep a copy of everything you send and note the date.

Step 3: Provide Documentation If Requested

If your disability is obvious (for example, you use a wheelchair and are requesting a ramp), the housing provider generally cannot require additional documentation. But if the disability or the need for the accommodation isn't apparent, the provider may ask for verification from a qualified professional — a doctor, therapist, social worker, or other healthcare provider.

This verification should confirm two things: that you have a disability (without necessarily naming it), and that the requested accommodation is necessary because of the disability. A simple letter from your doctor is usually sufficient. The housing provider is not entitled to your medical records, your diagnosis, or the details of your treatment.

Step 4: Engage in an Interactive Process

Fair housing law requires both parties to engage in an "interactive process" — a good-faith dialogue about the accommodation. If the housing provider can't grant your exact request, they should offer an alternative that effectively meets your disability-related need.

For example, if you request a specific parking spot and it's already assigned, the provider might offer you a different nearby spot. If they deny your request entirely without suggesting alternatives, that's a red flag.

Step 5: Know What to Do If You're Denied

If your reasonable accommodation request is denied, the housing provider must explain why. There are only a few legitimate reasons for denial:

• The accommodation would impose an undue financial or administrative burden
• The accommodation would fundamentally alter the nature of the housing program
• You didn't provide requested documentation of disability-related need
• There's no connection between the requested accommodation and a disability

If you believe the denial is wrong, you have several options:

File a complaint with HUD. You can file a housing discrimination complaint with HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) online at HUD's complaint portal or by calling 1-800-669-9777. You have up to one year from the date of the denial.

Contact a local fair housing organization. Nonprofit fair housing groups can provide free advice, help you file complaints, and sometimes represent you in proceedings. Search for "fair housing [your city]" to find one near you.

Contact a disability rights organization. Groups like the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) and your state's Protection and Advocacy organization can provide legal assistance.

File a complaint with your state or local civil rights agency. Many states have their own fair housing enforcement agencies that can investigate faster than the federal process.

Special Notes for Section 8 and Public Housing

If you're in a Section 8 or public housing program, your PHA is also obligated to provide reasonable accommodations. This can include things like:

• Extending your housing search time if your disability makes apartment hunting more difficult
• Allowing an exception to the voucher size (bedroom count) if you need a live-in aide or a separate room for medical equipment
• Providing program information in accessible formats
• Making exceptions to program rules that create barriers because of disability

If the PHA denies your request, you have the right to an informal hearing. Ask for the denial in writing and request the hearing within the timeline specified in your PHA's policies.