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What You Need to Know About Accessible Housing

Six houses of varying colors on a rural landscape sit behind the text, “Learn Basic Facts About Accessible Housing.”
Date Posted: February 22, 2019
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Six houses of varying colors on a rural landscape sit behind the text, “Learn Basic Facts About Accessible Housing.” According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, our nation is far from meeting today’s accessible housing needs. In their last study, they reported only one-third of American housing is able to be modified to meet the needs of individuals with mobility disabilities. Beyond that, only 5% of housing is currently designed to be accessible to individuals with moderate mobility challenges and a mere 1% are wheelchair accessible. The good news is that something can be done to meet the needs of today’s disabled population. Read on to learn more about accessible housing and how the Fair Housing Act enables users with special needs to request accommodations.

What is Accessible Housing?

Accessible housing is rented or purchased housing that has special built-in accommodations to make everyday living and mobility easier for residents with disabilities. This can range anywhere from wheelchair ramps to indoor modifications like handicap grab bars and accessible bathrooms and kitchens. Homeowners with accessibility needs can apply for home modification grants. But what if you aren’t a homeowner? Few rental locations are designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities. That’s where the Fair Housing Act comes into play.  

Understanding the Fair Housing Act

The Fair Housing Act protects the right of disabled Americans to have safe housing accommodations. This government legislation requires housing providers to:
  • Make accommodations for disabled tenants so long as those accommodations don’t cause an undue financial or administrative burden
  • Allow disabled tenants to make reasonable modifications to a rented housing space that are required for the unit to be fully usable
Between these two requirements, individuals with disabilities can both request and modify a rented living space in order to make it safe to use and navigate. But what if you’re having trouble finding a leasing company or landlord to rent to you? In such cases, it’s imperative you know your rights. It’s illegal for any home seller, real estate agent, rental company or landlord to:
  • Evict a tenant for his or her disability or the disability of a family member
  • Refuse to sell or rent housing to an individual based on the disability of the primary tenant/owner or his or her family member
  • To ask if an applicant or his or her family member has a disability
  • To alter applications or buying/renting criteria due to a disability
  • Segregate tenants to specific areas or units based on disability
  • Refuse reasonable accommodation or modifications based on disability
If you find yourself experiencing any of the above, you can file a complaint with HUD. By law, no one can retaliate against an individual for filing a complaint, so individuals don’t have to be afraid of submitting one if they feel they are experiencing discrimination.  

Do You Need Help Making Your Home Accessible?

Accessible housing shouldn’t be a privilege given only to some. If you have accessibility requirements but are having trouble finding the finances or the resources to meet your needs, let’s talk. Dreamscape Foundation works one-on-one with individuals facing accessibility challenges. From fundraising campaigns to resources, we help individuals bridge the gap between their disability and the life they deserve. Reach out to us today to start a conversation.
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