Reasonable Accommodations: Invalid Reasons to Deny a Request
Housing providers need good reasons to say no to a request for accommodation.
Here are some bad reasons they can't use:
- Violating Rules: Just because an accommodation breaks a housing rule doesn't mean it can be denied. An accommodation is like a special exception to the rules.
- Already Got One: If someone already got an accommodation, that doesn't mean they can't ask for another. They might need more help, or the first accommodation might not be enough.
- Worried About Others: Housing providers can't say no just because they're scared other people will want something similar. Each case is different.
- Affects Looks or Value: Denying an accommodation because it might change how a place looks or how much it's worth isn't a good reason.
- Personal Dislike: If a housing provider doesn't like a person, it's not a valid reason to deny an accommodation. It's about needs, not personal feelings.
- Provider's Opinion: A housing provider can't say no because they think the person with a disability should live somewhere else. It's not up to them to decide what's best.
- During Evictions: Even if someone is facing eviction, they can still ask for an accommodation. The request should be considered, even if the process has already started.
Improper Denials Examples:
- Sasha's Laundry Help: Sasha needs her assistant to use the laundry, but the housing provider says no because they think she should be in a nursing home. That's not right.
- Rita's Cleaning Time: Rita is facing eviction because of her messy apartment. This mess is because of a disability-related issue. She asks for more time to clean. It would be wrong for the landlord to ignore her request and continue with the eviction.
- Donald's Search for Accessible Place: Donald’s son uses a wheelchair. They are facing eviction after they couldn’t find a new accessible home after the landlord gave a notice of non-renewal. It’s unfair for the landlord to continue an eviction without considering Donald's request for more time.
The above article provides information about legal issues but is not the same as legal advice. Legal advice is when a lawyer applies the law to your specific situation. The information in this article does not replace the advice or representation of a licensed attorney. Law Center for Better Housing cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information in this article and is not responsible for any consequences that may result from using it. You should consult with a licensed attorney to ensure the information in this article is appropriate for your specific situation. Using the information in this article does not create a relationship between Law Center for Better Housing and you as your attorney.