Reasonable accommodations can be requested at any time during a lease

Here's the thing: if you have a disability and rent a place, you can ask for changes that help you use the home the same way others do. And you can make that request at any time during the lease. That simple truth sits at the heart of fair housing protections. It isn’t a one-time deal at move-in. It’s about staying able to live comfortably as your needs evolve.

What “reasonable accommodations” really means

First, let’s spell out the term a bit. A reasonable accommodation is a change in policies, practices, or services that makes housing more accessible. It isn’t about giving extra stuff or lowering standards. It’s about removing barriers so you can enjoy the dwelling on equal terms.

• Examples you might recognize: renting a unit with a parking space closer to the building, allowing a support animal even if the building has a strict pet policy, extending a lease or altering a policy for service animals, or giving more time to respond to notices if you need it for medical reasons.

• It’s also about when the modification is physical, like adding a ramp or a doorbell at a height you can reach, or swapping out levers for handles that are easier to operate. The key idea is that the change helps you use and enjoy the home.

A quick note: reasonable accommodations aren’t about adding luxuries. They’re about removing hurdles created by disability so you can have equal access and enjoyment of your home.

Timing matters—and here’s the important part

Now for the question you might have seen: “When can I request an accommodation?” The answer is straightforward and important: At any time during the lease period.

Why that timing matters

• Life isn’t static. A need can pop up suddenly after months of tenancy. Maybe a rehabilitation or new medical equipment changes how you move around the space. Or perhaps you realize that a certain policy—like a pet policy or a building rule—creates an obstacle you didn’t see before.

• The law protects you because it recognizes that accessibility is an ongoing concern. The goal is to prevent discrimination and to keep housing usable for everyone, regardless of how a person’s needs change.

What this means in real life is simple: even if you’ve already signed the lease and moved in, you’re not out of luck if your situation shifts. You can reach out to your landlord or management company and start a conversation about what would help.

How to request an accommodation: a practical, respectful path

If you’ve ever worried about how to bring this up, you’re not alone. The process is meant to be clear and reasonable.

1. Put it in writing. A written request creates a record and helps avoid misunderstandings. You don’t need to reveal personal medical details—just describe the accommodation you need and why it’s necessary to use and enjoy the dwelling.

2. Describe the impact. Explain how the current policy or feature creates a barrier and how the change would remove it. If you can, tie the need to everyday activities—getting in and out of the unit, cooking, cleaning, or having someone assist you.

3. Offer a practical solution. If you have a concrete idea of what would work, share it. It can speed up the process and show you’re engaged in a collaborative solution.

4. Be prepared for a back-and-forth. The landlord may ask for more information or propose alternatives. The idea is to have an interactive process that ends with a workable answer for both sides.

5. Keep a copy and note the response. You’ll want to track what was requested, what was granted (or denied), and any timelines or follow-up actions.

A sample, everyday wording (straightforward and respectful)

Here’s a simple example you can adapt:

“Dear [Landlord/Manager], I am requesting a reasonable accommodation to [describe the need, e.g., allow a service animal, modify the unit to install grab bars, or adjust the building’s policy]. This change will help me to use and enjoy my dwelling without impairment caused by my disability. I would be glad to discuss any practical steps and cost considerations. Thank you for working with me to find a workable solution.”

What landlords are expected to do

Landlords aren’t merely passive listeners here. They have a duty to engage in a good-faith, interactive process. That means they should:

• Consider the request promptly and respond in a timely manner.

• Explore possible alternatives if a proposed accommodation isn’t feasible.

• Avoid charging tenants for the accommodation that’s reasonably needed to ensure equal access (with some exceptions for modification costs—more on that in a moment).

• Maintain confidentiality and treat all requests respectfully, without implying that a person’s disability is a flaw.

In other words, it’s a two-way street. The tenant brings the need; the landlord works with them to figure out a fair, workable adjustment.

Costs, rights, and a practical caveat

It’s natural to wonder who foots the bill when a modification is needed. Here’s the lay of the land:

• For many reasonable accommodations, the tenant bears the cost of modifications that are not considered a fundamental alteration to the property. If a change would impose an undue financial or administrative burden, the parties can discuss alternatives that achieve the same goal without the heavy price tag.

• For changes that don’t alter the fundamental nature of the building or its systems, landlords generally accommodate the request. Cosmetic changes are a different matter—if a modification would permanently affect the property’s structure, the landlord may require restoration when you move out, unless the lease or state law says otherwise.

The point is to balance accessibility with the realities of ownership or management, keeping the focus on real need rather than on preference.

Two common myths—and why they’re worth debunking

Myth 1: “Use it only at move-in.” Not true. The need may emerge mid-lease, and the law recognizes that ongoing accessibility can require continued adaptations.

Myth 2: “If it’s about a personal item, you’re out of luck.” The right accommodation isn’t about a personal item; it’s about removing barriers to living in the unit. The landlord’s obligation is to consider what’s reasonable, not to police every personal choice.

What if the request is denied?

Denying a reasonable accommodation isn’t the last word. If a request is denied, you should receive a clear explanation. You can seek clarification and, if needed, reach out to a fair housing office, such as your state department or a local disability-rights group. You also have the option to file a complaint with the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or a comparable state agency. The aim is to ensure the housing remains accessible and non-discriminatory.

Real-world scenarios to keep in mind

• You’ve lived in a ground-floor unit, and a fall risk becomes an issue after a surgery. A request to install grab bars and make a bathroom layout more accessible is a reasonable accommodation that could be explored without either party bearing unnecessary burden.

• A long-term medical device changes how you navigate stairs. Asking for a ramp or a chairlift, or for a mobility-friendly access plan, is within your rights to request during tenancy.

• You discover that a building rule around service animals feels like a barrier. You can request an exception to the rule, guided by medical or therapeutic needs, to ensure you have the support you require.

Helpful resources to consult

• HUD’s Fair Housing Act information and guidance on reasonable accommodations.

• State or local fair housing offices, which can offer free advice and facilitate discussions.

• Disability rights organizations like the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) for general guidance and materials.

• Your tenant union or a local housing counseling agency for practical steps and templates.

A little perspective on accessibility as a living value

Accessibility isn’t a one-and-done checkbox. It’s part of how a home remains welcoming, usable, and humane for everyone. The idea is simple: a home should adapt as needs change, not force you to fit into a rigid template. When a landlord and tenant meet in that spirit, something practical comes out of it—an environment where daily life isn’t blocked by design.

Let me tie this together with a quick takeaway

• You can request reasonable accommodations at any time during the lease period.

• The process is meant to be collaborative, respectful, and documented.

• Landlords must consider the request in good faith and respond without unnecessary delay.

• Costs and trade-offs are handled with fairness in mind, aiming to remove barriers without creating undue hardship.

• If a request is denied, there are steps you can take to seek guidance or challenge the decision.

If you’re navigating housing now or helping someone else do so, remember: the door isn’t closing the moment a tenancy starts. Accessibility is a continuous conversation, not a one-off formality. And that conversation—handled with clarity and care—makes housing truly inclusive.

A few closing thoughts to keep in mind

• Start with the simplest, most direct language when you write your request. Clear explanation plus a practical suggestion speeds things up.

• Document everything. Save emails, letters, and notes from conversations. A paper trail helps everyone stay on the same page.

• Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Local fair housing offices, tenant unions, and disability-rights groups are there to support you with information, templates, and guidance.

If you’d like, I can help tailor a quick, friendly accommodation request letter you can adapt to your situation. It can be a way to start that constructive dialogue with your landlord, keeping the focus on practical, respectful solutions that work for everyone involved.