What basis can a landlord NOT use to deny a request for reasonable accommodation?

A landlord cannot use high demand for units as a basis to deny a request for reasonable accommodation because such requests are evaluated based on the needs of individuals with disabilities rather than the market dynamics affecting housing availability. Reasonable accommodation requests are specifically designed to support individuals who require modifications or adjustments to the rules or policies of a housing provider to ensure they have equal access to housing and related facilities.

In this context, the high demand for units does not pertain to the specific needs of a disabled individual requesting an accommodation, nor does it address whether granting the request would create an undue hardship for the landlord. Instead, reasonable accommodations should primarily focus on the rights and needs of the person with a disability, prioritizing equal opportunity rather than being influenced by the landlord’s concerns about demand or profitability.

Other options, such as financial burden or unjustified safety concerns, might be legitimate factors for landlords to consider when assessing the feasibility of an accommodation, but these must be evaluated carefully against the requirements set forth by fair housing laws. Property structural issues might affect the extent of accommodations that can be realistically granted; however, these factors do not relate to the fundamental principle of providing equitable treatment for individuals with disabilities.