As society evolves, more people are becoming aware of their rights and responsibilities, particularly when it comes to accommodating individuals with disabilities. This is particularly important in the realm of rental housing. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires landlords to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. However, as a renter with a disability, it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities as well. In this post, we will discuss the rights and responsibilities of renters with disabilities to help you make an informed decision when searching for apartments in Wilmington, NC.
Under the ADA, landlords are required to make reasonable accommodations to help tenants with disabilities live in a home equal to that of non-disabled individuals, including making physical modifications to rental units, like installing ramps, lowering counters or light switches, making bathrooms more accessible, and so on.
As a renter with a disability, it’s your responsibility to let your landlord know what accommodations you need. You can make this request in writing and provide documentation, such as a doctor’s note or prescription, that describes your disability and the accommodations you need. Be very clear about what adjustments you require.
As a responsible tenant, you should also be aware that the ADA only requires reasonable accommodations. This means that you should not make an unreasonable request or one that would fundamentally alter the nature of the landlord's business or cause the landlord undue hardship.
Despite the laws in place, some landlords still discriminate against tenants with disabilities. If you find yourself in such a situation, it is your right to seek justice. You can make a report to the Department of Justice (DOJ) or the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or contact an attorney that can guide you through the necessary actions.
While you may have individual responsibilities, your landlord also has a responsibility to ensure your safety. This includes complying with the ADA, ensuring there are adequate accommodations, responding promptly to complaints and repairing any damages that occur. A good landlord will help you identify what reasonable accommodation needs may work best.
Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a renter with a disability is essential to ensuring that you live comfortably in your apartment. It’s important to know what accommodations are reasonable and how to make your needs known. Plus, if your landlord is not providing the accommodations required, it’s your responsibility to report them to the authorities or seek legal help. Remember, your landlord also has a responsibility to ensure that the accommodations provided are adequate and safe. At Oasis at Riverlights apartments in Wilmington, NC, our team is committed to helping renters with disabilities find comfortable and accommodating living spaces. Contact us for more information today.