When it comes to housing, all people deserve access to safe, accessible housing. Under the law, property owners and management companies cannot discriminate against tenants or applicants due to a disability.
There are a few signs that help tenants determine if a housing provider discriminates against disabilities.
Creating inaccessible structures
About one in four adults have some form of disability. When property owners or housing developers create housing, they must consider the disabled population, too. They cannot impede accessibility by refusing to build ramps, install elevators or develop other accommodations allowing people with mobility impairments to enter the property. Judging a property by accessibility can inform you of someone’s discriminatory practices.
Refusal to make accommodations
The law states that housing providers must make reasonable accommodations for their tenants with disabilities. All people deserve equal access to housing; if the landlord refuses to provide equal access, he or she may violate the law. For example, refusing to allow a tenant his or her service animal or install grab bars violates anti-discrimination laws. Document all requests and denials.
Harassment due to disability
If you have a disability and your housing providers tend to make derogatory remarks or use intimidation to prevent you from making reasonable requests, this is clear disability discrimination. You should document and report any hostility from your housing provider.
When a resident puts in a disability-related request, the landlord or property management company must engage with the tenant. Housing providers who ignore requests may face claims of disability discrimination.
