Fair Housing: Finding Solutions for Unreasonable Requests
Property managers are required to provide reasonable accommodations for their residents. But how to know when a request isn't feasible?

The Fair Housing Act (FHA) requires property managers to provide reasonable accommodations for residents with disabilities to ensure equal access and enjoyment of their homes. However, not all requests are deemed reasonable. Understanding how to navigate accommodation requests that may be considered unreasonable is essential for property managers who want to stay compliant with the law while also effectively managing their property.
What Makes an Accommodation Request Unreasonable?
An accommodation request is considered unreasonable if it places an undue financial or administrative burden on the property or fundamentally alters the nature of the property’s services. Determining whether a request is unreasonable requires property managers to assess several factors, including cost, available resources and the impact on the property’s operations.
For example, a request for extensive structural modifications, such as installing an elevator in a small two-story building without one, may be deemed unreasonable due to the significant financial burden it would impose. Similarly, requests for personal services, such as requiring property staff to provide daily care for a resident, can be classified as unreasonable because they fundamentally alter the services typically provided by housing providers.