Community Members

"Fair Housing" is the right to equal opportunity in rental, sale, and
financing of housing under
federal, state and local laws.

Housing Rights for Persons with Disabilities

If you have a disability and are not able to have fully enjoy your housing you are protected by the Law:

For Accommodations (a change in rules or policy, such as parking, pets, etc.):
“Under The Federal Fair Housing Act Amendments Sec. 804 (42 U.S.C. 3604)(f)(3)(B), it is unlawful discrimination for a management company to deny a person with a disability “a reasonable accommodation of building rules or policies if such accommodation may be necessary to afford such person full enjoyment of the premises..”

For Modifications (a physical change that costs money, such as a ramp, grab bar, etc.):
“Under the FHAA, Sec. 804 (42 U.S.C. 3604)(f)(3)(B), it is unlawful discrimination for a management company to deny a person with a disability “a reasonable modification of existing premises occupied or to be occupied by such person if such modification may be necessary to afford such person full enjoyment of the premises…”

It is against the law for a landlord to refuse to allow a person with a disability to make reasonable modifications to an apartment (at the expense of the tenant), or to make reasonable accommodations in rules, practices, or services, when needed for the full enjoyment of the premises by a tenant with a disability.

If you would like to make a request for a reasonable accommodation or reasonable modification please see our guide and sample letters for writing a reasonable modification and accommodation:

Guide for Writing a RM or RA Letter

Example Reasonable Accommodation Letter

Example Reasonable Modification Letter

Service, Companion and Support Animals for persons with a Disability

Several programs exist to assist tenants and landlords in making apartments accessible to people with disabilities and these include:

  • The ENABLE Loan Program of the Vermont State Housing Authority, which can be reached at (802) 828-3295 or 1-800-798-3118.
  • The Home Access Program of the Vermont Center for Independent Living (VCIL), which can be reached at (802) 229-0501 or 1-800-639-1522. VCIL also provides information on other sources of funding available for making apartments and homes accessible, and offers a variety of services, referrals, and information to assist people with disabilities.

PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES PLEASE NOTE:

If you have a disability and are otherwise qualified to participate in a program that receives Federal financial assistance (such as public housing, some privately-owned housing, or Section 8), you are further protected from discrimination in housing.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 guarantees that agencies responsible for these programs must provide access and make reasonable accommodations so that you are able to enjoy the full benefits and privileges of the program.

For more information, contact the Disability Law Project at Vermont Legal Aid, or the Vermont Center for Independent Living's Housing Information and Advocacy Program.

 

Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity