Who Pays for Accessibility Modifications in Alaska Rentals?

As an Alaska renter with a disability, you have rights to request reasonable accommodations and modifications so your rental home is accessible and usable. Knowing who is responsible for paying for these changes can make a major difference in your rental experience. This article explains how Alaska law balances landlord and tenant responsibilities for accessibility modifications, and guides you through the process of making requests under fair housing laws.

Understanding Reasonable Modifications vs. Accommodations

There’s an important difference between a reasonable accommodation and a reasonable modification:

• Reasonable accommodations are changes to rules or policies (like letting a service animal live where pets are otherwise banned).
• Reasonable modifications are physical changes to the property, such as installing a ramp, grab bars, or lowered countertops.

Both are protected under the federal Fair Housing Act as well as Alaska’s own laws.

Who Pays for Accessibility Modifications?

In Alaska, the law generally follows the Fair Housing Act:

• Tenants are usually responsible for paying the cost of reasonable modifications needed due to a disability.
• However, landlords must allow the modification if it is reasonable, and cannot refuse simply because it alters the property. They may require the tenant to restore the property to its original condition at move-out (reasonable wear and tear excepted).

Some exceptions apply—for example, if the rental receives federal funding (such as HUD-subsidized housing), then the landlord may be responsible for providing and paying for certain accessibility features.^[1]

Common Accessibility Modifications Tenants May Request

• Wheelchair ramps at entrances
• Lowered kitchen counters or sinks
• Grab bars in bathrooms
• Widened doorways
• Visual or audible smoke alarms

How to Request a Reasonable Modification

Here's what you should do if you need a modification:

• Request the modification in writing. Outline what you need and why.
• Your landlord can ask for information verifying your disability (if not obvious) and why the change is necessary. They cannot require you to disclose your diagnosis or personal details.
• You may be asked to provide plans, permits, or proof the work will be done professionally and safely.
• The landlord can require you to restore the area (like removing grab bars) when you move out, and may require reasonable assurance (such as escrowed funds) that you will do so.^[2]

Official Forms for Requesting Modifications

• Reasonable Accommodation and Modification Request Form (no official statewide number):
  • When to use: Use this form when requesting a change (accommodation or modification) due to your disability needs in your rental.
  • How to use: Complete the form, describing the needed modification and any relevant medical documentation. Submit to your landlord or property manager.
  • See HUD’s Joint Statement on Reasonable Modifications (includes sample request language)
• Alaska Housing Finance Corporation Reasonable Accommodation Request:
  • When to use: Tenants in AHFC programs should use this form to request disability-related changes.
  • How to use: Fill out the request and return it to your local AHFC office.
  • Download form POC-052 (Reasonable Accommodation Request)

What Alaska Law Says About Accessibility Modifications

Alaska state law, specifically the Alaska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, supports the right of tenants to make reasonable modifications at their own expense and with their landlord’s agreement (AS 34.03.120).^[3]

Where to Go for Disputes and Legal Help

If you and your landlord disagree, you can file a discrimination complaint with the Alaska State Commission for Human Rights or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

• Alaska State Commission for Human Rights (ASCHR) is the primary state tribunal for residential housing discrimination issues. File a complaint online at their official portal.

FAQ: Accessibility Modifications in Alaska Rentals

1. Can my landlord refuse a reasonable modification?
   Landlords in Alaska cannot refuse modifications that are reasonable and necessary for your disability. However, you must usually pay for the changes and adhere to safety or building code requirements.
2. Who pays to return the unit to its original condition?
   Typically, the tenant who made the modification pays to undo non-permanent changes when they move out, unless the landlord agrees otherwise in writing.
3. Do I have to use a licensed contractor?
   Many landlords may require you to use a professional and ensure all work meets safety and building codes. This protects both your safety and their property.
4. Are there any grants or assistance for modification costs?
   Certain programs through the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation or federal funding may help eligible renters with modification expenses. Contact AHFC for options.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Alaska State Commission for Human Rights – Tribunal for disability accommodation and discrimination complaints
• Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) – Information on low-income housing and reasonable modification assistance
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Federal fair housing resources
• Alaska Department of Law: Landlord-Tenant Section – Guidance and consumer help for renters

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1. See Fair Housing Act guidance from the U.S. Department of Justice.
2. More details from HUD's Joint Statement on Reasonable Modifications.
3. Consult Alaska Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, especially Section 34.03.120.

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