Are landlords required to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities under Fair Housing Law?
Yes, landlords are required to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities under Fair Housing Law in Texas. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and familial status, which includes all persons with disabilities, including those who have a record of such a disability or are regarded as having such a disability. The Fair Housing Act requires that landlords make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities in order to give them an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling. This includes making necessary modifications to the property or allowing changes to policies or practices to permit the individual with a disability to use housing. For instance, a landlord might need to provide a wheelchair ramp or add grab bars in the bathroom. In addition, the landlord may be required to make reasonable changes to rules, policies, and services, when necessary for a person with a disability to use and enjoy the housing. This could include policies that require advance payment of rent or a security deposit, or permitting assistance animals on the premises, even if a "no pet" policy is in place. In Texas, it is illegal for landlords to refuse to provide accommodations to persons with disabilities, discriminate based on disability, or charge more for providing an accommodation. If a tenant believes they have been discriminated against, they should contact the Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for help.
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