Guide · Renting and leases
Accessibility Modifications
A friendly, practical guide to reasonable modifications and accommodations in rental homes, from grab bars and ramps to making requests in writing and working together kindly.
Where to start
- Need a change at home?
Use the written request checklist. A clear request is easier to say yes to.
- Not sure what to call it?
A modification changes the home, like a grab bar. An accommodation changes a rule, like a reserved parking spot. Try the self check below.
- Own the home?
See what owners do when a request comes in.
The short version
Everyone deserves a home they can move through safely, and most accessibility requests are simple.
A modification is a physical change, like a grab bar. An accommodation is a rule change, like a reserved parking spot.
Residents can ask in writing and explain how a change helps. Private medical details aren’t needed.
Owners respond kindly and promptly, work out details together, and keep requests private.
Fair housing rules differ by place, so we’d gently encourage a quick look at HUD’s guidance and local rules. If you ever have questions, we would love to help.
Four simple rules
- 1Ask in writing
Share what you need and why it helps, in a simple written request.
- 2Respond kindly and promptly
Owners consider each request with care and reply in a reasonable time.
- 3Work it out together
Talk through details, like who installs it and how, so everyone is comfortable.
- 4Follow fair housing law
Federal, state and local fair housing rules guide how requests are handled.
Your written request checklist
From the guide’s chapter on how to ask. Tick each one as you write. These are examples; your situation may call for others.
Ready to send. You do not need to share your full medical history.
When a request comes in, owners
- Answer requests promptly in writing.
- Consider requests in good faith.
- Never retaliate for requests.
- Allow reasonable modifications to the home.
- Follow state and local rules on costs.
- Keep records of every request.
A respectful conversation solves most requests.
Guides that go well with this one
Like it on paper?
The printable checklist for this guide is fillable, with a screen version and an ink saver print version. Keep it on your phone or pin it to the fridge.
How much do you remember?
4 quick questions from this guide, with a one line why for each. Totally optional, no sign in, and your answers are never saved.
Go deeper with The Perfect Series
When you want more than a guide, the books in The Perfect Series go room by room and step by step, in the same calm, plain words.
Keep the full guide handy
The PDF has everything: everyday habits, what to do when something goes wrong, common myths, helpful resources and plenty of real-world tips. Print it, save it or share it with anyone who could use it.
Download the PDFMore guides
This guide shares general information to help you, and is not legal advice. Please contact HUD, a fair housing organization or an attorney about your situation. Bunklow does not decide accessibility requests.