Fair Housing Month: A Quick Refresher on Reasonable Accommodations & Modifications
April is Fair Housing Month, making it the perfect time to refresh our understanding of reasonable accommodations and modifications. These requests play a crucial role in ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal access to housing. It’s essential to recognize and respond appropriately to these requests.
Understanding Reasonable Accommodations & Modifications
A reasonable accommodation is a change in rules, policies, or services that enables a person with a disability to fully use and enjoy their home. Examples include:
- Allowing an assistive animal, even in a pet-free community (managed through PetScreening)
- Approving a live-in aide
- Reserving a parking space closer to the resident’s home
- Granting a unit transfer to a more accessible apartment
A reasonable modification, on the other hand, involves physical changes to the dwelling to improve accessibility. Examples include:
- Installing an accessible ramp
- Adding grab bars in the bathroom
- Modifying a tub into a walk-in shower
- Removing carpet for easier mobility
How to Identify a Request
Residents may not use legal or industry-specific terms when making a request. They might simply mention a need, such as difficulty walking long distances or requiring an easier way to enter their home. This is where active listening becomes critical.
For example, if a resident states, “I have arthritis, and it’s hard for me to walk from my parking spot,” they may not explicitly ask for a reasonable accommodation, but this statement could indicate a need for one.
The Right Response
When a resident makes a request related to a disability, staff should ask, “Are you making this request based on a disability?” This question helps clarify the situation and determine the appropriate next steps.
DO NOT ASK what the disability is. If the resident confirms their request is disability-related, staff can provide the reasonable accommodation request form and guide them through the process.
Maintaining Good Communication
Open and clear communication is key throughout this process. Staff should ensure residents feel heard, understand the steps involved, and receive timely updates. By handling requests with professionalism and empathy, we uphold the principles of Fair Housing and create inclusive communities for all.
For further education, take a moment to watch this training video: Reasonable Accommodation / Modification: Active Listening. Read the whole article HERE.
Let’s continue fostering fair and accessible housing for everyone!
