At what point can individuals with disabilities request reasonable accommodations for assistance animals?

Individuals with disabilities are entitled to request reasonable accommodations for assistance animals at any time during their tenancy. This principle is rooted in the Fair Housing Act, which recognizes that disabilities can change over time and that the need for an assistance animal might arise after a lease has been signed.

By allowing requests at any time, the law ensures that individuals are not constrained by arbitrary timelines that could prevent them from accessing the support they need. This flexibility also acknowledges that circumstances can evolve, and new needs may arise throughout the duration of a tenant’s occupancy.

The options suggesting restrictions—such as limiting requests to the time of lease signing, within the first month, or contingent upon the landlord’s agreement—do not align with the intent of the Fair Housing Act, which aims to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities. The legislation emphasizes accessibility and reasonable accommodation, reinforcing the right to request support as the need arises throughout one's tenancy.