Can my landlord require a specific diagnosis or name of my disability?

No. Landlords may ask for proof that you have a disability and need the accommodation, but not for your diagnosis or private medical details.

What kind of professional can write my verification letter?

Accepted professionals include doctors, social workers, nurses, psychologists, or other qualified health/mental health providers familiar with your situation.

Is a form from the Internet valid for medical proof?

A sample form, like the ICRC one, is fine if a qualified provider completes and signs it. Do not use 'template letters' with fake providers.

What do I do if my request is denied because my proof is 'not enough'?

You can contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission to file a housing discrimination complaint against your landlord.

Do I have to renew proof each lease term?

Usually not, unless your situation changes or it's reasonable for the landlord to verify continued need after significant time.

Iowa Renters: Medical Proof for Disability Accommodations?

Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Iowa published: June 21, 2025

Knowing your rights as a renter is key if you need an accommodation for a disability in Iowa. If you ask your landlord for changes—like allowing a service animal or a reserved parking spot—you might wonder: Can they demand to see your private medical information? This article explains what Iowa law says about requests for medical proof, what your landlord can (and cannot) ask, and how you can respond.

Understanding Disability Accommodations in Iowa Housing

Both federal and state laws protect renters with disabilities. The federal Fair Housing Act and the Iowa Civil Rights Act make it illegal for landlords to discriminate against someone due to a disability. This includes the right to request reasonable accommodations—changes to policies or physical spaces—to ensure equal housing access.

What Counts as a Disability and an Accommodation?

Disability: Any physical or mental impairment that limits major life activities. This includes long-term illnesses, mobility challenges, mental health conditions, and other ongoing medical issues.
Accommodation: Examples are assistance animals, grab bars in bathrooms, or reserved parking. The accommodation must be reasonable and related to the disability.

Can a Landlord Ask for Medical Proof in Iowa?

Landlords in Iowa can request documentation to verify both that you have a disability and that your request is related to that disability—but there are clear limits:

Your landlord cannot ask for your full medical records or for a specific diagnosis.
They may require a letter or statement from a qualified professional (such as a doctor, nurse, therapist, or other care provider) confirming that:

You have a disability as defined by law, and
The requested accommodation is necessary for you to have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy your home.

According to guidance from the Iowa Civil Rights Commission (ICRC), the landlord should not require or expect to see sensitive medical details. The focus is on necessity—not diagnosis.

Common Documentation: Medical Letters

A common way to document your need is with a simple letter from your healthcare provider or counselor. This letter should:

State that you have a disability as defined by law (without naming it), and
Explain why the accommodation is necessary.

You may use an example letter like the "Verification of Disability and Need for Reasonable Accommodation," and your provider can adapt it for you. See the ICRC sample form (PDF).

If your disability is obvious (for example, you use a wheelchair), or the need for accommodation is clear, a landlord should not ask for documentation.

Relevant Official Forms and How to Use Them

Verification of Disability and Need for Reasonable Accommodation (ICRC Sample Form)
- When to use: When your landlord asks for proof of your disability and that your accommodation request is necessary.
- How to use: Ask your healthcare provider to fill out and sign the form. Give the completed version to your landlord when you request an accommodation.
- Download the official ICRC sample form

Your Step-by-Step Checklist

Put your accommodation request in writing.
If your landlord asks for proof, provide a letter or completed form as described above.
Keep copies of all paperwork and communications.
If your request is denied or ignored, you can file a complaint with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission.

This process helps protect both your rights and privacy, following Iowa and federal law.

What If My Landlord Requires Too Much Information?

If your landlord insists on seeing your diagnosis or detailed records—or refuses a reasonable accommodation—you have a right to file a complaint with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission. Retaliation for asking is also illegal under the Iowa Civil Rights Act.

Who Handles Rental Disputes in Iowa?

The Iowa Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) oversees housing discrimination complaints, investigations, and enforcement. Their website provides official complaint forms, procedures, and guidance on disability accommodations.

FAQ: Iowa Disability Accommodation Proof

Can my landlord require a specific diagnosis or name of my disability?
No. Landlords may ask for proof that you have a disability and need the accommodation, but not for your diagnosis or private medical details.
What kind of professional can write my verification letter?
Accepted professionals include doctors, social workers, nurses, psychologists, or other qualified health/mental health providers familiar with your situation.
Is a form from the Internet valid for medical proof?
A sample form, like the ICRC one, is fine if a qualified provider completes and signs it. Do not use "template letters" with fake providers.
What do I do if my request is denied because my proof is "not enough"?
You can contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission to file a housing discrimination complaint against your landlord.
Do I have to renew proof each lease term?
Usually not, unless your situation changes or it's reasonable for the landlord to verify continued need after significant time.

Conclusion: Key Points for Iowa Renters

Landlords in Iowa may ask for verification of your disability and need for accommodation, but cannot require diagnosis or personal records.
Use simple documentation, such as a signed professional letter or the Iowa Civil Rights Commission's sample form, to support your request.
If you face discrimination or overreaching requests, Iowa Civil Rights Commission is your enforcement agency for filing complaints and getting help.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Iowa Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) — File a housing discrimination complaint, get forms & disability resources.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - Fair Housing — Learn about national fair housing law and file federal complaints.
ICRC Housing & Disability Brochure (PDF) — Quick guide to your rights and landlord responsibilities.

Iowa Renters: Medical Proof for Disability Accommodations?

Understanding Disability Accommodations in Iowa Housing

What Counts as a Disability and an Accommodation?

Can a Landlord Ask for Medical Proof in Iowa?

Common Documentation: Medical Letters

Relevant Official Forms and How to Use Them

Your Step-by-Step Checklist

What If My Landlord Requires Too Much Information?

Who Handles Rental Disputes in Iowa?

FAQ: Iowa Disability Accommodation Proof

Conclusion: Key Points for Iowa Renters

Need Help? Resources for Renters

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Bob Jones

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