A change because of a disability

A reasonable accommodation is a change in a rule or a practice so a person with a disability has an equal chance to use the program. This page is not legal advice, and it does not mean the authority will grant a particular request.

This is not legal advice and not a decision by a housing authority. Applying for a voucher is free.

What you can ask for

People ask for things like more time to find a unit, letters in a format they can read, a live-in aide and a bedroom for that aide, or a different way to come to an appointment. The request can be spoken or written. Writing it down gives you a copy.

You can say that you have a disability and what you need. You do not have to put a diagnosis in the letter. The authority can ask for verification when the disability or the need is not obvious. The rules sit in 24 CFR part 8 and in the Fair Housing Act.

What the authority decides

The authority considers whether the change is connected to the disability and whether it is reasonable. It can offer another change that still meets the need. It should tell you the decision. If you disagree, ask how to request a review. A denial is not something this website can overturn.

Letter you can copy

Fill in the brackets. Then send it the way your housing authority accepts mail, email, or a portal message.

[Date]

[Housing authority name]
[Housing authority address]

Re: Reasonable accommodation request

My name is [your name]. My client number, if I have one, is [number].

I have a disability. I am asking for this change: [say the change, for example more time to search, a live-in aide, or notices by email]. I need it because [one sentence connecting the change to the disability, without a diagnosis unless you want to include one].

Please tell me the decision in writing. If you need a verification form, send it to me. You can reach me at [phone] or [email]. My mailing address is [address].

Thank you,
[Your name]

Where this comes from

24 CFR part 8, nondiscrimination based on disability in HUD programs.
The Fair Housing Act, reasonable accommodations.