What are a landlord's responsibilities for accommodating handicapped tenants?

In the span of a rental property's existence a landlord will probably be asked to make many upgrades to the home for a variety of reasons: personal preferences, safety, pets, rodents, general wear and tear, and many more.

If a handicapped or disabled tenant makes requests for modifications to your rental property, you must permit the modification, provided:

• Modification is related to disability and having full enjoyment of the dwelling
• Modification will not interfere with the landlord's business
• Modification will be paid for by the tenant
• Modification will be restored upon termination of lease, if modification interferes with future tenant's use and enjoyment of the premises
• Modification request, if not obvious, is accompanied by a note from a physician
• Modification will be performed by a licensed professional with permits, if necessary
  

It is important that landlords remember that under federal law, disabled tenants and prospective tenants with a disability have the right to apply and live in a property regardless of their impairment. At Clark Real Estate, we follow all Fair Housing laws and practices to ensure that your rental unit is not in violation.

Please contact us for more information. We can handle all tenant issues on your behalf!