Reasonable Accommodations: What Can I Do if the Landlord Denied My Request?

A denial happens if the landlord says no or if they delay too long. The housing provider needs to engage in the interactive process.

Reasons for a Denial: 

There are valid reasons for denial. 

1. The landlord may deny a request for reasonable accommodation if it causes an undue burden. They would consider: 
   1. The administrative and financial costs of the request, 
   2. The costs of the housing provider’s regular operations, 
   3. The overall financial resources available to the housing provider, 
   4. The benefit the request would have on the requestor, and 
   5. Whether there are any alternatives which could be granted.
2. The landlord may also deny the request if the tenant is a direct threat to the health and safety of other individuals. 42 USC Section 3604(f)(9). They would consider: 
   1. The nature, duration, and severity of the risk of injury, 
   2. The probability that injury will actually occur,
   3. Whether the person has received intervening treatment or medication to minimize the direct threat risk, and 
   4. Whether there are any reasonable accommodations that will eliminate or acceptably minimize the direct threat. 

There are invalid reasons for denial. Click here to read more.

Next Steps

• The tenant can try to continue to communicate with the landlord to offer an alternative or come to a different solution. 
• The tenant may consider filing a complaint with an enforcement agency. Click here for more.