What’s the difference between the ADA and FHA for renters?

The ADA covers accessibility in public and common areas of rental property. The FHA covers discrimination and the right to reasonable accommodations inside rental homes.

Do California landlords have to make every apartment ADA-compliant?

No, only public/common areas must meet ADA standards. Individual apartments must be accessible as required under the FHA and state law.

How do I document my request for a disability accommodation?

Make your request in writing—using your landlord’s form, the HUD-92006 for subsidized housing, or a letter—and include only info needed to explain your request.

Where do I go if my landlord refuses my accommodation request?

File a discrimination complaint with the California Civil Rights Department or HUD using their official process and forms.

Can a landlord ask me to pay for all accessibility modifications?

You may pay for modifications in your apartment, but landlords typically cover common area changes needed for equal access.

ADA and FHA Accessibility Rights for California Renters

Accessibility & Disability Accommodations California published: June 21, 2025

Understanding your rights as a renter with a disability in California can make accessing safe, accessible housing easier. Two major federal laws protect renters— the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA). Each sets standards for accessibility and anti-discrimination, but applies in different situations. This guide explains how ADA and FHA protections work for California renters, how to request accommodations, and what to do if your rights aren’t being recognized.

Understanding Disability Accessibility Laws in California Housing

In California, both federal and state laws require landlords to accommodate renters with disabilities:

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act): Focuses mainly on public spaces, such as rental offices or common areas open to the public, rather than private residential units.
FHA (Fair Housing Act): Prohibits housing discrimination and requires landlords to provide "reasonable accommodations" or allow "reasonable modifications" so renters with disabilities can fully use their homes.
California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA): Offers similar protections under state law, sometimes going further than federal law.

The California Civil Rights Department enforces state accessibility and anti-discrimination housing laws.

How the ADA Applies to California Rentals

The ADA mainly covers parts of your housing that are open to the public (like a leasing office, pool, or clubhouse). It does not require landlords to make private units ADA-compliant. However, new or renovated apartment buildings may need ADA-compliant common areas.

For general-access areas: doors, ramps, and bathrooms may need to meet ADA accessibility standards.
For private apartments: ADA does not govern, but other laws do.

Learn more at the official ADA resource center.

How the FHA Protects Renters in California

The FHA covers nearly all types of rental housing. It makes it illegal for landlords to:

Deny rental or falsely claim units are unavailable because of a disability
Refuse to make reasonable accommodations (such as allowing a service animal, installing grab bars, or adjusting policies)
Deny permission for reasonable modifications at the renter's expense (such as installing a wheelchair ramp)

You have a right to request changes that let you fully enjoy your home, and the landlord generally cannot increase your security deposit for these approved modifications.

Requesting Disability Accommodations in California Rentals

It’s best to request accommodations or modifications in writing. While California does not have a statewide required form, using the landlord’s official procedure or a clear written request helps establish your rights.

Sample Accommodation Request Process

Write to your landlord describing the specific accommodation or modification you need.
If you use public or subsidized housing (such as through California’s Housing Authorities), you may be required to use a form— for example, the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form (HUD-92006) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Include documentation if needed, such as a letter from your healthcare provider explaining the need for the accommodation (but not your exact diagnosis).

Practical Example: If you need a grab bar installed in your bathroom due to limited mobility, you could use the HUD-92006 form to ask your landlord in writing for this modification if you live in federally-assisted housing.

Filing a Discrimination Complaint

If your request is ignored or denied without proper legal reason, you can file a complaint:

HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint (Form 903): Used if your rights are violated under the FHA. File online, by phone, or by mailing the completed form.
California Civil Rights Department Housing Discrimination Complaint: State-level process, file online or by mail. They enforce the California Fair Employment and Housing Act.

Tip: File your complaint as soon as possible. Strict deadlines apply, and having documentation (such as a written request and responses) can help your case.

Official Tribunal Handling California Tenancy Issues

Tenant-landlord disputes in California, including accessibility and disability issues, are handled through local courts (Superior Court) and by the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) for discrimination claims.

You can learn about state law protections at the CRD’s Fair Housing page.

Key Legislation Protecting Renters

What’s the difference between the ADA and FHA for renters?
The ADA mainly protects accessibility in public and common areas of rental housing; the FHA covers accessibility and anti-discrimination in the actual rental homes and gives you the right to reasonable accommodations.
Do California landlords have to make every apartment ADA-compliant?
No, landlords do not have to make every individual apartment fully ADA-compliant. They must comply with ADA rules in covered public/common areas and allow modifications under the FHA and state laws.
How do I document my request for a disability accommodation?
Submit your request in writing, using a form such as the HUD-92006 for federally-assisted housing or your own letter. Include only the information needed to explain your need without sharing detailed medical history.
Where do I go if my landlord refuses my accommodation request?
You can file a formal complaint with the California Civil Rights Department or with HUD using their official complaint form.
Can a landlord ask me to pay for all accessibility modifications?
Sometimes. Generally, you pay for modifications to your apartment, but landlords may not require you to pay for changes in common areas if they are necessary for equal use. See the CRD guidance on reasonable accommodations.

Conclusion: What California Renters Need to Remember

Both ADA and FHA protect renters with disabilities in different ways—ADA for public areas, FHA for your rental home.
Ask for accommodations in writing, keep records, and use official forms when possible.
If your requests are denied, agencies like the California Civil Rights Department and HUD can help enforce your rights.

If you keep these actions and protections in mind, securing accessible housing in California becomes much more manageable.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

California Civil Rights Department – Fair Housing page: For discrimination complaints and tenant rights info.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
California Courts Self-Help – Housing
California Department of Social Services – Housing Resources
For official complaint forms: California Civil Rights Department Complaint Process and HUD Complaint Process