Re: disability access - Landlord Forum thread 352831

Re: disability access by Garry on June 14, 2017 @21:20

First, get all your tenant's requests in writing, and you provide your answers in writing, also. Both of you should be very specific regarding any details. Next, because this could be a big expense to have done, tell your Ts they must have the ramp and chair lift installed by professionals at the tenants expense. This next part I'm not sure about, but I think you can ask them to put down an additional deposit, to cover you if the Ts leave without having the ramp or chair lift removed. As for July's rent, you will need to wait til July comes, and then issue them the standard 3 day notice to pay rent, when their grace period is up. It's fine to feel sorry for these people, and hopefully several government programs will help them out in their time of need. But you as the LL may not be financially able to help them, either.

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Re: disability access by Samantha on June 14, 2017 @22:58	[ Reply ]

Thanks for the reply, according to HUD rules I can ask them to deposit money into an escrow account to cover the modifications when they leave

Re: disability access by Anonymous on June 14, 2017 @23:24	[ Reply ]

Not all request for a reasonable modification need to be in writing, but the landlord should respond in writing so there is a paper trail for future reference. HUD rules for requiring an additional deposit is limited to what modifications are requested. The HUD-DOJ Statement notes, “The tenant is obligated to restore those portions of the interior of the dwelling to their previous condition only where “it is reasonable to do so” and where the housing provider has requested the restoration. The tenant is not responsible for expenses associated with reasonable wear and tear. In general, if the modifications do not affect the housing provider’s or subsequent tenant’s use or enjoyment of the premises, the tenant cannot be required to restore the modifications to their prior state. A housing provider may choose to keep the modifications in place at the end of the tenancy.” In regard to exterior modifications, a resident cannot be required to restore these changes. The HUD-DOJ Statement states: “The Fair Housing Act expressly provides that housing providers may only require restoration of modifications made to interiors of the dwelling at the end of the tenancy. Reasonable modifications such as ramps to the front door of the dwelling or modifications made to laundry rooms or building entrances are not required to be restored.”