Who Pays for Disability Access Modifications in Georgia Rentals?

If you rent a home or apartment in Georgia and need accessibility improvements—such as grab bars, ramps, or wider doors—you may wonder whether your landlord is responsible for the costs. It’s important to know your rights and responsibilities under Georgia law and federal protections for people with disabilities. This guide outlines who pays for accessibility modifications, what steps you should take, and where to find official forms and support.

Understanding Accessibility and Disability Accommodations

Accessibility modifications are changes made to a rental property to help tenants with disabilities live independently. These can include:

• Installing ramps or handrails
• Lowering countertops or light switches
• Adding visual alarms or accessible bathroom fixtures

In Georgia, both state and federal laws—such as the federal Fair Housing Act—protect renters with disabilities against discrimination and allow them to request "reasonable accommodations." These allow tenants full use and enjoyment of their homes.^[1]

Who Pays for Accessibility Modifications?

Generally, as a Georgia renter, you are responsible for paying for physical modifications needed to make your rental accessible due to a disability. Landlords are required to allow these changes unless doing so would create an unsafe or extremely difficult situation for the building.

• Landlords can require that work is done professionally and to code.
• They may also require you to restore the property to its original condition when you move out, except for reasonable wear and tear.
• Some financial assistance or programs may be available to help with costs—see resources below.

However, if your request is about policy changes or non-structural accommodations (for example, getting an assigned accessible parking space), the landlord may be required to make those changes at their own cost.

Required Forms and How to Use Them

Georgia does not have a standardized, state-issued form specifically for requesting accessibility modifications. However, you may make a request in writing. Using a written request helps protect your rights and ensures clear communication. Your written request should include:

• The modification you wish to make
• Why it’s necessary for your disability
• A statement clarifying you’ll pay for (and if required, restore) modifications

For complaints about discrimination or denied requests, complete the HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (Form 903) provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This form can be filed online or by mail.^[2]

• Form Name: Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
• When Used: File if you believe you were denied an accessibility modification or experienced discrimination due to disability.
• How to Submit: Online at the HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Portal

Georgia Tenant-Landlord Authority and Relevant Laws

Georgia residential tenancy matters are mainly overseen by the civil courts in your local county. The most relevant law for renters is the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) Title 44, Chapter 7 – Landlord and Tenant.^[3]

Federal protections—the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—also guarantee renters' rights to disability-related modifications and accommodations.

What Steps Should Georgia Renters Take?

• Make your accessibility request in writing and keep a copy for your records.
• Include details about your disability and why modifications are needed.
• Offer to pay for installation and agree to comply with reasonable landlord requirements (like professional work or restoration upon leaving).
• If your request is denied or ignored, contact HUD or a fair housing agency to learn about your rights or file a complaint.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord refuse my request for modifications?
   Landlords can only refuse physical modifications if they would make the property unsafe or extremely difficult to manage. Reasonable requests for disability access cannot be denied simply due to inconvenience.
2. Who pays to restore the unit after I move out?
   Usually, renters are responsible for restoring the property to its original condition, except for reasonable wear and tear.
3. Do I need to provide medical documentation?
   Your landlord can ask for proof that you have a qualifying disability, but cannot require specific medical details. A verification letter from a medical professional is often enough.
4. Are there programs to help pay for accessibility modifications in Georgia?
   Depending on your situation, programs through agencies such as Georgia Department of Community Affairs or nonprofit organizations may assist with funding.
5. Can my landlord charge a higher deposit due to my disability modifications?
   No, extra deposits or charges tied to disability or modifications are not allowed under the Fair Housing Act.

Summary: What Georgia Renters Should Know

• You can request accessibility modifications in your rental, but are usually responsible for the costs.
• Your landlord must allow reasonable changes and can require restoration when you move out.
• Written, documented requests and official complaint forms protect your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
• Georgia Department of Community Affairs – Fair Housing
• ADA Information Line
• Local Georgia county courts hear landlord-tenant disputes: find your court via the Georgia Courts directory

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1. Fair Housing Act, U.S. Department of Justice: Read the Fair Housing Act protections
2. HUD Disability Rights Information: HUD: Rights of Persons with Disabilities
3. Official Code of Georgia Annotated – Landlord and Tenant: Read Title 44, Chapter 7 (Georgia State Legislature)

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