As a Burbank landlord with a single-family home, you must observe the Federal Fair Housing Act’s requirement to provide ‘reasonable accommodations’ to both disabled residents and residents staying with or are associated with individuals with disabilities. However, what is ‘reasonable accommodation’ and what would be ‘unreasonable’?
To start with, ‘reasonable accommodation’ could be for the physical elements of the rental property and may comprise basic adjustments, such as lowering light switches and towel rods or a smoke alarm equipped with flashing lights in addition to an audible sound. Furthermore, the resident would shoulder the expenses for both the installation and removal of these accommodations.
Besides these accommodations to the physical elements of the residence, your resident may request for ‘reasonable accommodation’ on administrative matters. Let’s say you have a tenant with a mental disability that affects their memory. This tenant might ask that you call monthly 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 issues in this respect is whether the accommodation would be burdensome for you as a housing provider. For instance, say you own a two-story single-family rental home and receive a request that you put in an elevator for somebody with a physical disability. This could be denied as it necessitates major construction and can cost a lot.
An unreasonable accommodation request could appear on the administrative aspect too. Suppose you own a single-family home and get a request from a possible tenant 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 the landlord can refuse this request.
Real Property Management East San Gabriel Valley is very familiar with the Fair Housing Act requirements and how they concern you as a Burbank landlord with a single-family residence. We can aid you in navigating these requirements to guarantee that you are in compliance when renting to individuals with disabilities. Do you want to know more? For more information, please contact us online or call us at 626-600-2884.
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.
