Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation as a Florida Renter

Understanding your right to request a reasonable accommodation is essential for Florida renters with disabilities. As a tenant, you may need certain changes or exceptions to policies so you can fully enjoy your home. This article explains the step-by-step process in Florida, highlights relevant legal protections, and offers official resources to guide you.

What Is a Reasonable Accommodation?

A reasonable accommodation is a change or exception to rules, policies, or practices that a person with a disability might need to have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy rental housing. Under the federal Fair Housing Act and the Florida Fair Housing Act, landlords must provide reasonable accommodations unless doing so causes an undue financial or administrative burden or requires a fundamental change to the housing arrangement.^[1][2]

Who Can Request an Accommodation?

• Any renter in Florida with a physical or mental disability (as defined by law)
• Applicants seeking to rent a property
• Individuals acting on behalf of a person with a disability (such as a family member or support person)

Examples include permitting a service animal in a "no pets" building or adding a reserved accessible parking space.

Your Legal Protections

• Federal protections: Fair Housing Act (42 U.S. Code § 3601 et seq.)
• Florida law: Florida Fair Housing Act (Fla. Stat. § 760.20–760.37)
• You cannot be charged extra fees or deposits for approved accommodations related to your disability

How to Request a Reasonable Accommodation in Florida

While you don’t have to use a specific form, it is best to make your request in writing to your landlord or property manager. Written requests protect your rights and provide a record.

Step-by-Step Process for Renters

• Identify your need: Determine what change or exception you need to enjoy your home.
• Gather documentation (if needed): Be ready to provide documentation from a qualified healthcare provider if your disability is not obvious. This can be a simple letter stating your disability and the needed accommodation (no details about your diagnosis are required).
• Submit your request: Send a written request to your landlord. Clearly describe the accommodation and why it is necessary due to your disability. Keep a copy for your records.
• Wait for a response: Landlords must respond promptly and engage in a cooperative "interactive process." They may not deny your request without considering it or retaliate against you for requesting an accommodation.
• If denied or ignored, seek help: You may file a complaint with the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR)—the official state agency that investigates housing discrimination.

Official Forms for Florida Renters

• Florida Commission on Human Relations Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (FCHR Form 801):
  Download FCHR Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
  When to use: If your landlord refuses or ignores your accommodation request, file this form with FCHR. For example, if you requested a service animal and were denied, complete and submit Form 801 to start an official investigation.
  How to use: Submit the completed form by mail, fax, or email to FCHR as outlined on the form instructions.

Although you are not required to use a specific request letter, you can find a sample "Reasonable Accommodation Request Letter" template, typically recommended by Florida legal aid organizations, or create your own with the details discussed above.

What Landlords Can (and Cannot) Ask

• Landlords may request documentation if your disability or need for accommodation is not obvious.
• They cannot demand medical records or specific diagnoses.
• They cannot charge fees or retaliate against you for requesting an accommodation.

The law requires an "interactive process"—open communication to find a reasonable solution.

What If My Request Is Denied?

If your landlord does not grant or respond to your request, you have the right to pursue a complaint through FCHR, or you may contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

• Learn how to file a housing discrimination complaint with FCHR
• HUD’s Fair Housing Complaint Process

FAQ: Florida Renters & Reasonable Accommodation

1. Can my landlord ask for details about my disability?
   No. Landlords may only ask for documentation verifying your need for the accommodation if it’s not obvious, but cannot require your diagnosis or medical records.
2. Is there a fee to request a reasonable accommodation?
   No. Landlords cannot charge extra fees or deposits related to a disability accommodation.
3. What if my landlord ignores my request?
   You can file a complaint with the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) using the official complaint form.
4. Can I make the request orally?
   Yes, but it’s always best to make your reasonable accommodation request in writing and keep a copy for your records.
5. How long should the landlord take to respond?
   There is no set number of days in Florida law, but landlords must respond promptly and engage in a good-faith interactive process.

Key Takeaways

• Florida law protects renters’ rights to request reasonable accommodations.
• Requests should be in writing, with documentation if needed.
• If denied, use official complaint forms with the Florida Commission on Human Relations.

Being proactive and knowing your rights helps ensure equitable access to housing across Florida.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR): Investigates fair housing complaints, provides forms and guidance; Phone: (850) 488-7082
• HUD: Accessibility & Reasonable Accommodation Rights
• U.S. Department of Justice: Fair Housing Act Overview
• Florida Legal Services: Legal help and resources for renters

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1. Fair Housing Act (federal)
2. Florida Fair Housing Act, Florida Statutes § 760.20–760.37
3. Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR)
4. FCHR: Housing Discrimination Complaints
5. FCHR Form 801: Housing Discrimination Complaint

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