What does the Fair Housing Act define as a structural change to allow a person with a disability full enjoyment of their dwelling?

The Fair Housing Act defines "reasonable modification" as a structural change that a person with a disability can make to their dwelling to ensure they can fully enjoy and use the residence. This term refers specifically to alterations made to the physical structure of a housing unit or common areas. Such modifications might include installing grab bars in bathrooms, adding ramps for wheelchair access, or modifying doorways for better accessibility.

The key aspect of reasonable modification is that it should not impose an undue financial or administrative burden on the housing provider and should be necessary to afford the individual full use and enjoyment of their dwelling. Importantly, while the tenant may bear the cost of these modifications, the law mandates that landlords must permit these changes.

Other terms often come up in discussions surrounding housing rights, such as reasonable accommodation, which typically refers to changes in policies or practices to allow individuals with disabilities to better access housing services or amenities rather than structural changes.