FAIR HOUSING FACTS SHEET # 3

MODEL of a reasonable accommodation or modification letter to a housing provider

Your Name
Your address
Your city, state, and zip code
Your area code and phone number
Date of the letter

Dear [Mr., Ms., Mrs. X]:

I am [an applicant for or a resident of ] [name of property or simply "one of your properties"]. I have a disability that is hindering me from [applying for tenancy or fully using my rental, or meeting the basic obligations of tenancy]. I am therefore requesting a reasonable accommodation under the federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 and Chapter 659a of the Revised Oregon Statutes. I have attached verification from my [doctor, therapist, case manager, pastor, or other appropriate professional] of my disability and the functional limitations I experience, as well as the accommodation(s) I need to compensate for my disability. I am asking for this/these accommodation(s) so that I am able to [complete my rental application or have full use and enjoyment of my [apartment, house, condo, etc.] or be able to meet my obligations as a tenant.].

As my [doctor's, therapist's, case manager's, pastor's, or other appropriate professional's] letter states, because of my disability, I am unable to [state your specific limitations, such as carry my garbage can to the curb, climb stairs, go outside of my rental, etc.] I am asking that you [state the specific accommodation(s) that relate to the limitations you just listed, such as having the manager move the garbage can to the curb, allowing a caregiver who is not a resident to use the laundry center to do your wash, or sending your rent by mail rather than taking it in person to the rental office] With [this/these] accommodation[s], I will be able to [turn in my rental application or fully comply with the provisions of the lease/rental agreement or have full use of my rental].

Please reply to my letter within the next 10 business days [or whatever time fram is appropriate for your circumstances] or by [date]. If you have any questions about my request, please do not hesitate to call me. [State best hours to call you if that would be helpful.]

Sincerely,

[signature]
Your name

SAMPLE of a reasonable accommodation letter to a housing provider

Jane Smith
1349 Oak Street, Apt 23
Anytown, Oregon 97000
(503) 222-3333
January 18, 2003

Dear Mr. Johnson:

I am a resident of Rolling Valley Apartments. I have a disability that is hindering me from fully using my rental. I am therefore requesting a reasonable accommodation under the federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 and Chapter 659a of the Revised Oregon Statutes. I have attached verification from my doctor of my disability and the functional limitations I experience, as well as the accommodation I need to compensate for my disability. I am asking for this accommodation so that I am able to have full use and enjoyment of my apartment.

As my doctor's letter states, because of my disability, I am unable to carry my laundry or walk the distance from my apartment unit to the on-site common laundry facility. I am asking that you make an exception to your rule of giving only tenants access to the laundry facility and allow my sister to do my wash for me. With this accommodation, I will be able to have full use of my rental and the amenities at Rolling Valley Apartments.

Please reply to my letter within the next 10 business days or by January 23, 2003. If you have any questions about my request, please do not hesitate to call me. I am easiest to reach between the hours of 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM.

Sincerely,

[signature]

Jane Smith