What is a “reasonable accommodation” under Fair Housing Law?

A “reasonable accommodation” under Fair Housing Law is a legally-mandated alteration of a housing rule or policy that allows people with a disability to fully use and enjoy their housing. In California, the Fair Housing Law requires landlords to make such reasonable accommodations when it’s necessary for a person with a disability to have equal access to housing. For example, if a disabled tenant needs an accessible parking space close to the entrance of their building, the landlord may be required to provide one as a reasonable accommodation as long as it does not impose an undue burden or expense on the landlord. Other examples of reasonable accommodations may include allowing for specially-adapted fixtures or modifications to common areas and allowing for assistance animals, such as service dogs, in a “no-pets” housing policy. It is important to remember that the law does not require landlords to provide unreasonable accommodations. For example, if a tenant requests a major remodel to their unit, the landlord may not be legally obligated to comply. The landlord must only provide reasonable accommodations that are necessary for the tenant’s use and enjoyment of their housing, and at a reasonable cost.

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What is a “reasonable accommodation” under Fair Housing Law?

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