Housing Discrimination – Part II

The Federal Government has put forth many laws that protect the disabled, whether they are suffering from physical or mental disabilities, from the discriminatory behaviour on the part of landlords. They prevent landlords from asking questions about a potential tenant’s handicap or disability or even to demand proof of it. Landlords are only allowed to screen disabled applicants, with regard to their financial position and other criteria applied to non-disabled potential tenants.

If, a disabled tenant requires a ramp for wheelchair access, accessible car parking, kitchen modifications, such as, the lowering of countertops or the installation of safer, easily accessible appliances and plumbing, a landlord cannot but accommodate his / her disabled tenant’s requirements, at his / her own expense. A landlord can make easily removable temporary adjustments, to be removed when his / her disabled tenant’s lease ends, without being renewed. Tenant improvements must be approved by the landlord before the tenant moves-in, and he / she is entitled to ask for medical proof, such as, a note from a doctor saying the modifications are a necessary requirement.

Landlords on their part, should make themselves cognisant with all rules and regulations before drafting a lease, and must take all necessary precautions, such as, screening tenants and conducting background checks on prospective tenants, including ensuring all promises in the rental lease are adhered to, as their insurance for a litigation free landlord / tenant relationship. A simple click of the mouse and any landlord or property manager can visit www.e-renter.com for tenant screening and background check services. www.e-renter.com, the best tenant screening agency in America!