Arkansas Renters: Disability Parking Rights & Accommodations

Parking can be a challenge for renters with disabilities, especially when accessible spots are limited or not clearly marked. In Arkansas, state and federal law ensures tenants with disabilities have the right to reasonable parking accommodations. Whether you need a designated accessible space or modifications to an existing parking lot, understanding your rights can help you advocate for a safer and more independent living situation.

Your Rights to Accessible Parking in Arkansas

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA), landlords must provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities. In Arkansas, this includes making changes to parking policies or physical structures when necessary for equal access.

• Landlords cannot refuse a reasonable request for an accessible parking space.
• Parking accommodations may include creating reserved accessible spaces, signage, or modifying curbs and pathways.
• Tenants may need to provide documentation that the accommodation is necessary due to a disability.

State and local codes may also set minimum requirements for accessible parking in multifamily housing. It's important to check your lease and local building codes for additional details.

How to Request a Disability Parking Accommodation

If you need an accessible or reserved parking space, send a written request to your landlord or property manager. This request should outline your need due to a disability and specify the accommodation you are seeking.

• Include a letter from a healthcare provider if requested.
• Keep copies of all correspondence for your records.

Landlords are required to respond promptly and cannot charge extra fees for providing the accommodation.

Relevant Forms for Arkansas Renters

• Reasonable Accommodation Request Form
  While Arkansas does not provide a universal state form, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers a sample Reasonable Accommodation Request Form. Use this form to formally request accessible parking from your landlord or property manager.

Example: If you use a wheelchair and there are no accessible parking spots near your unit, complete the HUD Reasonable Accommodation Request Form and submit it with a note from your healthcare provider. Your landlord should respond in writing to discuss next steps.

Where to Turn if Your Request Is Denied

If your landlord ignores or denies your request for a disability parking accommodation, you can:

• Contact the Arkansas Fair Housing Commission (AFHC). This is the official state board handling residential tenancies and fair housing complaints.
• File a discrimination complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
• Consult with a legal aid service for further assistance.

The complaint process is confidential and designed to protect renter rights.

Applicable Arkansas Laws and Protections

Arkansas rental laws require landlords to follow both state and federal anti-discrimination protections. The key legislation and resources for renters are:

• Arkansas Fair Housing Act
• State Disability Accessibility Regulations
• Federal resources: Fair Housing Act (FHA) and ADA requirements

Making a reasonable accommodation request and knowing your rights are vital steps for Arkansas renters needing accessible parking solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What qualifies as a reasonable parking accommodation?
   A parking accommodation is considered reasonable if it enables a tenant with a disability to access their home equally. This could mean designating an accessible spot, relocating a current space, or modifying lot access. Landlords are not required to make accommodations that create undue hardship or fundamentally alter the property.
2. Can my landlord charge me for a reserved accessible parking space?
   No, Arkansas landlords cannot impose extra fees or deposits for granting a reasonable accommodation, including accessible parking. The law prohibits charging for access needed due to a disability.
3. How long does my landlord have to respond to my request?
   Landlords must respond to reasonable accommodation requests within a "reasonable time," typically within 10-14 business days. If there is a delay, follow up in writing.
4. What documents do I need to provide for my accommodation request?
   You may be asked to provide a brief letter from a healthcare professional confirming your need for a disability-related parking accommodation. You do not have to disclose your specific medical condition.
5. Where can I file a complaint if my landlord refuses my request?
   File a complaint with the Arkansas Fair Housing Commission or with HUD if you face discrimination regarding disability accommodations.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• Arkansas law protects your right to request accessible parking accommodations if you have a disability.
• Submit requests in writing and keep documentation for your records.
• If denied, you can file a complaint with the Arkansas Fair Housing Commission or HUD.

Knowing your rights can help you secure a safer and more accessible home environment.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Arkansas Fair Housing Commission (AFHC): File complaints and get help understanding your rights.
• HUD: File a Housing Discrimination Complaint
• Arkansas Legal Services: Free or low-cost legal advice for renters.
• ADA Information Line: Government answers about accessibility laws and rights.
• For state legislation and codes, visit the Arkansas General Assembly website.

---

1. Arkansas Fair Housing Act
2. HUD Reasonable Accommodation Request Form (sample)
3. Americans with Disabilities Act
4. Federal Fair Housing Act

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations