Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation in Idaho Rentals

If you are a renter living with a disability in Idaho, you have a legal right to request reasonable accommodations from your landlord. This means your landlord may need to make adjustments so you have equal access to your home. Understanding your rights and how to request these accommodations can make the process smoother and help you stay safely housed.

What Is a Reasonable Accommodation?

A reasonable accommodation is a change in rules, policies, or practices to allow a person with a disability to fully use and enjoy their housing. Examples include granting a reserved accessible parking space, allowing a service animal in a no-pet building, or installing grab bars in the bathroom.

Your Rights Under Idaho and Federal Law

Both the federal Fair Housing Act and the Idaho Human Rights Act protect renters with disabilities from discrimination. Landlords cannot refuse to make accommodations unless it would create an undue financial or administrative burden, or fundamentally change the nature of the housing.^[1][2]

How to Request a Reasonable Accommodation in Idaho

To request a reasonable accommodation, you do not have to use a specific form, but there are steps you can follow to make the process clear and documented. Written requests are always best, as they provide a record of your communication with the landlord.

Step-by-Step: Making Your Request

• Identify what you need. Consider what specific change or adjustment will help you access your home.
• Write a request to your landlord. Explain that you have a disability (you do not need to disclose the specific diagnosis) and explain the accommodation you are seeking. You may use your own letter or the sample forms provided by agencies.
• Provide supporting documentation if asked. Landlords are allowed to request proof of disability and need for the accommodation, but not detailed medical records.
• Keep records. Save copies of all communication in case you need to reference them later.

Official Forms and Practical Examples

• Sample Reasonable Accommodation Request Letter
  While Idaho does not have a state-mandated form, the HUD Sample Reasonable Accommodation Request letter is accepted by most landlords and can be tailored to your needs.
  Example: If you ask for a wheelchair ramp, use this letter to explain your situation and the requested modification. Review and download the HUD sample letter.
• Discrimination Complaint Form – Idaho Human Rights Commission
  If your request is denied without proper reason, you may file a complaint with the Idaho Human Rights Commission, which investigates housing discrimination cases. You can access the online complaint form: IHRC housing discrimination complaint form.
  Example: If a landlord refuses your accommodation request, the complaint form lets you detail what happened so the commission can investigate.

Your Next Steps If a Request Is Denied

If your landlord refuses your request, you can:

• Ask your landlord to put the denial in writing, including the reason for denial.
• Contact the Idaho Human Rights Commission for help or file a complaint.
• Contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for assistance through their online complaint portal.

Legal Authorities Handling Tenant Rights in Idaho

In Idaho, discrimination complaints about reasonable accommodations are handled by the Idaho Human Rights Commission. Before filing a complaint, you may also review information on tenant and landlord rights from the Idaho Attorney General's Landlord and Tenant page.

Summary

Knowing your rights and the steps to request a reasonable accommodation in Idaho ensures you can access and enjoy your rental housing equally. Resources are available to support you if challenges arise.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I have to disclose my disability to my landlord? You only need to indicate that you have a qualifying disability and demonstrate the need for accommodation. You are not required to share your specific medical diagnosis.
2. Can my landlord deny my reasonable accommodation request? Landlords can deny a request only if it would cause an undue financial or administrative burden or fundamentally alter the nature of their operations. Otherwise, denial may be a violation of your rights.
3. What if my landlord ignores my request? If a landlord does not respond, follow up in writing. If you still get no answer, file a complaint with the Idaho Human Rights Commission.
4. Is there a fee to file a discrimination complaint in Idaho? No, it is free to file a discrimination complaint regarding housing with the Idaho Human Rights Commission.
5. Can I request a reasonable accommodation at any time? Yes, you can request an accommodation at any stage of your tenancy.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Idaho Human Rights Commission – File and track housing discrimination complaints.
• HUD Fair Housing Complaint Process – Learn your rights and how to escalate federal complaints.
• Idaho Attorney General: Landlord and Tenant Rights – Information for both renters and landlords.
• ADA.gov – U.S. Department of Justice Americans with Disabilities Act information and resources.

---

1. Federal Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. §3601 et seq.)
2. Idaho Human Rights Act, Title 67, Chapter 59
3. Idaho Human Rights Commission – Housing Discrimination
4. HUD Online Fair Housing Complaint Portal

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