Parking Accommodations for Disabled Tenants in Colorado

For residents in Colorado renting a home or apartment, accessible parking can be a crucial need, especially if you or a family member has a disability. State and federal law protect the rights of tenants with disabilities to request reasonable parking accommodations from their landlord. This guide explains current laws in plain language, outlines the steps you can take if you need an accommodation, and links to official Colorado and federal resources.

What Are Parking Accommodations?

Parking accommodations refer to adjustments or reserved spots made to ensure tenants with disabilities have equal access to housing. This can include:

• Designated accessible parking spaces close to your unit
• Wider spaces for mobility devices (e.g., wheelchairs)
• Permission to park in an otherwise restricted area (with a valid permit)
• Adjustments to parking lot signage or markings

These measures help ensure you can access your home safely and independently.

Laws Protecting Your Right to Parking Accommodations

Both federal and Colorado law require landlords to make reasonable accommodations for renters with disabilities:

• The Fair Housing Act (FHA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and obligates landlords to provide reasonable accommodations, including parking, unless it would be an undue financial or administrative burden.^[1]
• The Colorado Fair Housing Act provides state-level protection for renters and applies to parking and other accessibility needs.^[2]

If you have a recognized disability and need a parking accommodation, your landlord must consider and respond to your request.

How to Request a Parking Accommodation from Your Landlord

The process for requesting a parking accommodation is straightforward but requires following specific steps:

1. Document Your Need: You may be asked to provide proof of your disability and why an accommodation is necessary. This can be a letter from your medical provider (not required to disclose specifics of your condition).
2. Make a Written Request: Submit a clear, dated, and signed written request to your landlord asking for the specific accommodation (e.g., a reserved accessible parking spot). Keep a copy for your records.
3. Landlord Response: The landlord should respond in a reasonable amount of time and engage in an interactive process to discuss the accommodation.

There is no standard state form, but making your request in writing is highly recommended for documentation purposes.

Official Forms for Colorado Renters

• Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD) Housing Discrimination Complaint Form: If your landlord refuses a reasonable accommodation, you can file a complaint with the CCRD.
  Form Name: Housing Discrimination Intake Packet
  Filing a Housing Discrimination Complaint
  Example: If you request a reserved accessible parking spot and your landlord denies it without valid reason, you can use this form to initiate a formal investigation.^[3]
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Form 903: For federal complaints relating to disability discrimination.
  HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form 903
  Example: If your housing provider consistently refuses all accessibility requests, you could file at the federal level.

Key Considerations When Requesting Accommodations

Your request should be clear and focused on your needs. Landlords cannot charge extra fees for providing a reasonable parking accommodation. They also cannot retaliate or evict you for making the request.

If Your Request Is Denied: Next Steps

If a landlord denies your valid request for a parking accommodation, you have several options:

• Ask for the reason in writing
• Suggest alternative accommodations as part of an "interactive process"
• File a complaint with the Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD) using the official CCRD process

For most cases, disputes are handled by the Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD), which enforces housing discrimination laws in the state.

FAQ: Parking Accommodations for Renters with Disabilities in Colorado

1. Can my landlord charge me extra for an accessible parking spot?
   No, under both federal and Colorado law, landlords cannot charge an extra fee for a reasonable parking accommodation related to a disability.
2. What if there are no accessible spots available?
   Landlords must make reasonable efforts to create or designate a spot, provided it is not an undue burden or structural impossibility. You are encouraged to engage in dialogue to find alternatives.
3. Do I need a state-issued disability parking placard?
   While a placard is not required to request an accommodation, it often helps show the legitimacy of your request. See how to apply for a disabled parking placard in Colorado.
4. How quickly must my landlord respond to my request?
   There’s no strict deadline, but they must respond "promptly" and communicate in good faith. If there is no response after a reasonable time, you may file a complaint.
5. Where do I file a formal complaint in Colorado?
   File with the Colorado Civil Rights Division if your landlord unlawfully denies your parking accommodation request.

Summary: Key Takeaways for Colorado Renters

• Tenants with disabilities in Colorado have the right to request reasonable parking accommodations under state and federal law.
• Written requests and documentation are important in case of later disputes.
• Free formal complaint options are available if your accommodation request is denied.

Understanding your rights improves your ability to navigate accessibility issues and advocate for your needs as a renter.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD) – File housing discrimination complaints, find guidance, and contact support.
• Colorado Fair Housing Act – Full text of state protections.
• Colorado DMV Disability Parking Placards & Plates – How to apply for parking accommodations outside your housing.
• HUD Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity – Federal information, complaint forms, and advocacy.

---

1. Fair Housing Act (U.S. Department of Justice)
2. Colorado Fair Housing Act (Colorado Department of Labor and Employment)
3. Colorado Civil Rights Division – Housing Complaints

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