Renters with disabilities: your housing rights
Under federal fair-housing law, a landlord generally must grant a reasonable accommodation (a change to a rule or policy) or reasonable modification (a physical change) so a renter with a disability has equal use of their home — including allowing an assistance animal even under a no-pets policy. Put the request in writing.
Educational — information, not legal advice, and not attorney-reviewed. The exact rule depends on your state, city, and lease; the app shows the verified rule for where you live.
What this means
Reasonable-accommodation and reasonable-modification rights are among the strongest protections renters have. They cover changes like a reserved accessible parking space, a policy exception, or permission for an assistance animal, so that a disability doesn't cost you equal enjoyment of your home.
A landlord can ask for limited verification in some cases and may deny a request only for specific, legitimate reasons. Because the rules are technical, put your request in writing, keep records, and reach a fair-housing group or HUD if a reasonable request is refused.
What to do
- Make your accommodation or modification request in writing.
- Keep supporting documentation organized and private.
- Save the landlord's response and any reason given.
- If a reasonable request is denied, contact HUD or a fair-housing group.
What to do next
For assistance animals specifically, see our ESA and service-animal guide.
Free help — always free
- Call 211 · in a crisis, call or text 988 (or 211.org) for local help and referrals.
- Find free legal aid at lawhelp.org.
- Read HUD tenant rights.
- Call 911 in an emergency.
Know exactly where you stand.
Renter Shield shows your state's verified rule, drafts calm letters, tracks deadlines, and keeps your evidence private on your device — free to start.