Are landlords required to provide reasonable accommodations to tenants with disabilities under Fair Housing Law?

Yes, landlords are required to provide reasonable accommodations to tenants with disabilities under Fair Housing Law in Virginia. This law prohibits discrimination against individuals who have a physical or mental disability, a record of disability, or are regarded as having a disability. According to the Virginia Fair Housing Law, landlords must “make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices or services, when such accommodations may be necessary to afford such person equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling.” The accommodations are required to be reasonable for both the landlord and the tenant. For instance, landlords must make reasonable modifications to the rental unit to accommodate the tenants’ disabilities, such as widening doorways and installing ramps. Additionally, tenants may also request additional changes, such as keeping the property free of allergens or pet restrictions, to accommodate their disability. The Virginia Fair Housing Law also requires landlords to provide reasonable accommodations related to communication, such as allowing tenants to communicate in Braille or large print. Additionally, the law stipulates that landlords must make changes to their policies to allow disabled tenants to have service or emotional support animals. Overall, landlords are legally bound to provide reasonable accommodations to tenants with disabilities under Fair Housing Law in Virginia. These accommodations may include modifications to the rental unit, changes to the landlord’s policies, and communication-related changes.

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