How to Request a Reasonable Accommodation in Housing

What a reasonable accommodation is and why landlords must consider it

A reasonable accommodation is a change to a housing rule, policy, or physical space that lets a person with a disability live safely and independently. It is not a special favor — it is a legal right under the Fair Housing Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Your landlord must consider your request even if the lease says no pets, no modifications, or no exceptions to the rules.

Common accommodations include allowing a service animal, permitting grab bars in a bathroom, allowing a ramp at an entrance, or waiving a no-pets policy for an emotional support animal. The accommodation does not have to be free — you may pay for it — but the landlord cannot refuse to let you make the change or charge you extra rent because of your disability.

The key word is reasonable. Your landlord can say no if the change would cost them a lot of money, fundamentally alter the property, or create a direct threat to safety. But they have to explain why, in writing, and they cannot simply assume it is unreasonable without looking at your specific situation.

Key Takeaways

• You can request a reasonable accommodation in writing or in person, and your landlord must respond within a reasonable timeframe — usually 10 business days, though this varies by state and locality.
• You will need a disability-related reason for the accommodation and documentation from a doctor, therapist, or other healthcare provider that connects your disability to the need.
• Your landlord can ask for medical documentation but cannot ask for your diagnosis, full medical records, or details about your condition beyond what relates to the accommodation.
• If your landlord denies your request, you can file a complaint with HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) or your state's fair housing agency at no cost.
• You do not need a lawyer to request an accommodation, but having one or getting help from a disability rights organization can strengthen your case if the landlord refuses.

How to make your request in writing

Put your request in writing — email, letter, or text — so you have a record. Address it to the landlord, property manager, or leasing office, whoever handles tenant issues at your building. You do not need formal language; plain English works fine. State what you need, why you need it (in general terms), and when you need it by.

Example: "I am requesting permission to install grab bars in my bathroom due to a mobility disability. I have a doctor's letter attached. I would like to complete this by [date]. Please let me know if you need any other information."

Keep a copy for yourself. If you send email, you have a timestamp. If you hand-deliver a letter, ask for a signed receipt or bring a witness. Do not assume the landlord received it just because you sent it.

What documentation your landlord can and cannot ask for

Your landlord can ask for proof that you have a disability and that the accommodation is related to it. They cannot ask for your diagnosis, your full medical history, or details about your condition that do not relate to the accommodation.

A letter from your doctor, therapist, psychiatrist, or other healthcare provider is usually enough. It should say: you have a disability (without naming it if you do not want to), the accommodation you need, and how the accommodation helps you because of that disability. The provider does not need to write a long letter — a paragraph is often sufficient.

If your landlord asks for more information than necessary — for example, your full psychiatric records or a detailed diagnosis — you can refuse and file a complaint. HUD considers that a violation. Stick to what connects your disability to the accommodation and nothing more.

What to do if your landlord says no

Your landlord must give you a reason in writing if they deny your request. Common reasons include cost, safety concerns, or that the change would alter the property too much. If the reason seems unfair or vague, ask them to explain further in writing.

If you disagree with the denial, you have options. You can ask the landlord to reconsider, provide additional documentation, or propose an alternative accommodation that meets your needs. You can also file a complaint with HUD or your state's fair housing agency. This costs nothing and does not require a lawyer.

To file with HUD, go to hud.gov/fairhousing or call 1-800-669-9777. You can also contact your state's fair housing agency — search "[your state] fair housing agency" online. You typically have one year from the denial to file, though some states have shorter timeframes.

Accommodations for Section 8 and Section 811 housing

If you live in Section 8 or Section 811 housing, the same rules apply, but the process may be slightly different. Your landlord still must consider your request, but the public housing authority or program administrator may also be involved in the decision.

For Section 8, contact your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) if the landlord denies your request or does not respond. For Section 811, contact the state agency that runs the program in your state — this varies by location. Both can help mediate between you and the landlord or file a complaint on your behalf if needed.

Common accommodations and what they usually involve

Service animals and emotional support animals are among the most common requests. A service animal is trained to perform a task related to your disability; an emotional support animal provides comfort by its presence. Landlords must allow both, even if the lease says no pets. You may need documentation from a healthcare provider for an emotional support animal, but not for a service animal.

Physical modifications — grab bars, ramps, widened doorways, accessible parking spaces — are also common. You usually pay for these, but the landlord cannot refuse or charge extra rent. Some landlords will cover the cost; ask, but do not assume they will.

Policy exceptions — allowing a caregiver to visit outside normal hours, waiving a no-smoking rule for medical cannabis in states where it is legal, allowing a modified lease term because of a medical condition — are also reasonable accommodations. The landlord has more discretion here, but they still must consider your request seriously.

What happens after you request an accommodation

Your landlord should respond within a reasonable timeframe. Most states and localities expect a response within 10 business days, but this varies. If you do not hear back within two weeks, follow up in writing and ask for a response date.

If the landlord approves, get the approval in writing and keep it. If they ask for documentation, provide it within the timeframe they give you. If they deny it, ask for the reason in writing. Do not let the conversation stay verbal — written records protect you if you need to file a complaint later.

If the accommodation is approved and involves a physical change to the unit or building, clarify who pays, who does the work, and when it happens. Get this in writing too. If the landlord says they will do the work, set a deadline and follow up if it does not happen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to tell my landlord my diagnosis?

No. You only have to explain how your disability connects to the accommodation you need. For example, you can say "I have a mobility disability and need grab bars" without saying what the specific condition is. If your landlord asks for your diagnosis, you can refuse and they cannot retaliate.

What if I cannot afford documentation from a doctor?

If you see a doctor, therapist, or other provider through a community health center, Medicaid, or a disability services agency, ask them to write a letter at no cost — many will. If you do not have a provider, contact a disability rights organization in your state; they can sometimes help you find low-cost or free documentation.

Can my landlord charge me for the accommodation?

It depends. If the accommodation is a policy change (like allowing a service animal), the landlord cannot charge you. If it is a physical modification, you usually pay, but the landlord cannot charge extra rent or a deposit because of your disability. Ask in writing who pays before work begins.

What if my landlord retaliates after I request an accommodation?

Retaliation — raising your rent, threatening eviction, or harassing you after you request an accommodation — is illegal. If this happens, document it in writing with dates and details, and file a complaint with HUD or your state's fair housing agency immediately. Retaliation is taken very seriously.

Can I request an accommodation if I am behind on rent?

Yes. Your right to request an accommodation is separate from your rent payment status. However, if you are behind on rent, address that separately — contact your landlord or a legal aid organization about payment plans or emergency assistance. Do not assume the accommodation request will solve a rent problem.