Tenants' Rights to Reasonable Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities
Under the New York State Human Rights Law, a person with a disability has the right to request a reasonable accommodation or a reasonable modification in housing.
What this means
- Reasonable accommodation: a change to a rule, policy, practice or service so that a person with a disability has an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a home. Examples include allowing an assistance animal in a building with a no-pet policy, or assigning an accessible parking space.
- Reasonable modification: a physical change to a unit or common area, such as installing grab bars or a ramp.
A housing provider may not refuse a reasonable request unless it would cause an undue hardship, and must engage in a good-faith, interactive process with the person making the request.
How to make a request
You may make a request at any time, orally or in writing. For an apartment shown or leased through Arwell Realty, contact us and we will forward your request to the building's owner or managing agent:
(516) 780-4373 · wzand@arwellrealty.com
If your request is denied
You may file a complaint with the New York State Division of Human Rights within one year of the alleged discrimination: (888) 392-3644 or dhr.ny.gov. You may also contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at (800) 669-9777, or the NYC Commission on Human Rights by calling 311.