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As landlords, one of the most important and sometimes confusing, responsibilities we face is handling reasonable accommodation requests from tenants. These requests, protected under the Fair Housing Act, ensure tenants with disabilities have equal access and enjoyment of their rental homes. But where do you draw the line between reasonable and unreasonable? And how do you protect yourself while staying compliant?
In this episode, Kevin and I break down everything you need to know. We’ll explain what reasonable accommodations are, who qualifies for them, and how they differ from modifications. We’ll also share examples of requests landlords are most likely to encounter — from service animals to parking adjustments to flexible rent due dates.
You’ll hear best practices for documenting requests, avoiding common mistakes, and protecting both your tenants and your business. We’ll also cover when landlords can say no, how to engage in the “interactive process,” and why empathy and professionalism go a long way in avoiding costly mistakes.
Whether you own one rental unit or ten, this episode will help you approach accommodation requests with confidence, compliance, and clarity.
✅ What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- The difference between reasonable accommodations and modifications
- Who qualifies for accommodations under the Fair Housing Act
- Examples of reasonable vs. unreasonable requests
- Landlord obligations for costs, timelines, and documentation
- Best practices to stay compliant and avoid lawsuits
- How to handle requests with empathy while protecting your business
🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned
Listen to Episode 61: Fair Housing and Emotional Support Animals (ESA’s)
Listen to Episode 73: Senior Aged Tenants, What You Need to Know
The Fair Housing Institute, 15% OFF with code YLR2025
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