Requesting Reasonable Accommodation for Renters in Georgia

Georgia residents with disabilities are protected by both federal and state laws that ensure housing is accessible and equitable. If you or a household member have a disability, you have the right to request a “reasonable accommodation” in your rental housing. Understanding the process, relevant forms, and your rights can help ensure your home is safe and comfortable.

What Is a Reasonable Accommodation?

A reasonable accommodation is a change or exception to a landlord’s rules, policies, or services so a person with a disability has an equal opportunity to use and enjoy their home. This might include allowing service animals, assigning accessible parking, or modifying due dates for rent payments.

Your Rights Under Georgia and Federal Law

Georgia renters are protected by the federal Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These laws require landlords to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities, unless doing so would cause undue financial or administrative hardship or fundamentally alter the nature of the housing.

At the state level, the Georgia Fair Housing Law generally affirms these same protections.

Examples of Reasonable Accommodations

• Permitting a registered service animal in a "no pets" apartment
• Providing a reserved accessible parking space near the building entrance
• Allowing rent to be paid online or by mail instead of in-person, if mobility is limited
• Installing bathroom grab bars (at tenant’s expense or as required by law)

Each request is evaluated individually. Only requests that are directly related to the disability and do not create an undue burden can be required of a landlord.

How to Ask for a Reasonable Accommodation

There is no official state-issued form required in Georgia for making a reasonable accommodation request, but written requests are strongly recommended for your records. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides sample letters and guidance that Georgia renters can use as a template.

Sample Reasonable Accommodation Request Letter

• State you are a person with a disability (or making the request on behalf of one)
• Describe the specific accommodation needed
• Explain how the accommodation relates to the disability
• Request a written response from your landlord

See HUD’s Joint Statement on Reasonable Accommodations for sample language.

Is Any Medical Proof Required?

If the disability or need for accommodation is not obvious, your landlord may ask for documentation that supports your request. This could include a letter from a licensed healthcare provider. Landlords are not entitled to full medical records or a clinical diagnosis.

If Your Request Is Denied or Ignored

If a landlord unreasonably denies your request or refuses to respond, you have the right to file a discrimination complaint. In Georgia, this is handled by:

• The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• The Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity (GCEO) – the state agency responsible for investigating fair housing complaints

You can file complaints online, by phone, or by mail. Each agency offers guidance and support throughout the process.

Filing a Housing Discrimination Complaint

• HUD Form 903 Online Complaint: Used to report any housing discrimination, including denial of reasonable accommodations. Example: If your landlord refuses to let you install a wheelchair ramp.
• HUD Form 903 (PDF): Printable version to submit by mail. Used the same way as the online form.
• Georgia Fair Housing Complaint Form: Official state form to initiate a discrimination investigation.

For more on Georgia’s process, see the Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity – Housing Division.

What Landlords Can (and Cannot) Do

• Landlords can request verification when the need for accommodation is not obvious, but they cannot demand specific details about your disability.
• They must respond to your request promptly and discuss any possible alternative solutions if they believe your request causes undue hardship.
• Landlords cannot charge extra fees or increase rent simply because of an accommodation request.

For additional details, review the Fair Housing Act's protections and the Georgia Fair Housing Program.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to use a special form to request a reasonable accommodation in Georgia?
   No, you do not need a special or state-issued form. However, making your request in writing helps document your request and any responses. Sample letters and guidance are available from HUD.
2. Can a landlord deny my reasonable accommodation request?
   Landlords can only deny a request if it creates a significant financial/administrative burden or fundamentally changes the housing. They must explain denials in writing.
3. What should I do if my landlord does not respond to my accommodation request?
   If you don’t receive a timely response, you may file a complaint with HUD or the Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity.
4. Will my landlord know my specific medical diagnosis?
   No. Only enough information to support the request can be required. Landlords are not entitled to your medical records or diagnosis.
5. Can my landlord charge extra fees for making accommodations?
   No, landlords cannot charge higher rent, deposits, or fees solely because of a disability-related request.

Key Takeaways for Georgia Renters

• You have the right to request reasonable accommodations if you have a disability.
• Use written requests and keep records to protect yourself.
• If your rights are ignored, both federal and state agencies can help with complaints and investigations.

Being proactive and informed supports your right to accessible housing in Georgia.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity – Housing Division: State agency for fair housing complaints.
• HUD Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity: National support and complaint intake.
• Georgia Fair Housing Program: Guidance and resources under Georgia law.
• Fair Housing Act Full Text

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1. Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968)
2. Georgia Fair Housing Law (Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 8-3-200 et seq.)
3. Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity (Housing Division)
4. HUD Joint Statement on Reasonable Accommodations
5. Georgia Fair Housing Complaint Process

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