As a Cypress landlord for a single-family residence, you have to follow the Federal Fair Housing Act’s requirement to allow ‘reasonable accommodations’ to both residents with disabilities and residents living with or are associated with disabled persons. Then again, what is ‘reasonable accommodation’ and what would ‘unreasonable’ be?
First of all, ‘reasonable accommodation’ could concern physical aspects of the rental home and may include simple adjustments, such as lowering towel rods and light switches or a smoke detector that has flashing lights along with an audible alarm. Moreover, the tenant would pay for both the setting up and removing of these accommodations.
In addition to accommodations to the physical components of the home, the resident might be asked to be provided with ‘reasonable accommodation’ on the administrative side. For example, you might have a resident with a memory-related mental disability. This renter may request that you call every month to remind them to pay rent. This would be regarded as reasonable.
Now, let’s explore an instance that could be thought of as ‘unreasonable.’ One of the key concerns in this respect is whether the accommodation would make it hard on you as a housing provider. For example, what if you have a two-story single-family rental house and receive a request for you to install an elevator for someone with a physical disability? This could be refused as it would be pricey and require major construction.
An unreasonable accommodation request might develop on the administrative side too. Suppose you own a single-family home and a potential resident with a mental impairment asks you to call them each morning and evening to remind them to switch the exterior lights off in the morning and on at night. This can be declared unreasonable and you as a landlord have grounds to deny this request.
Real Property Management Republic is well versed in the Fair Housing Act requirements and how they affect you as a Cypress landlord with a single-family property. We can help you manage these requirements to ensure that you are in compliance when renting to persons with disabilities. Would you like to find out more? Please contact us online or call us at 281-362-5001 for more information.
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.
