ADA and FHA Accessibility for Louisiana Renters

Louisiana renters living with disabilities are protected by both federal and state laws that ensure fair access to housing. Yet understanding how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA) interact can be confusing. This guide breaks down what you need to know about accessibility standards if you rent in Louisiana, so you can confidently request reasonable accommodations or modifications.

Understanding the FHA and ADA: What’s the Difference?

Both the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protect people with disabilities, but they cover different situations and types of housing. Here’s a summary of how these laws apply:

• FHA: Applies to most housing, including rental apartments and homes. It requires landlords to allow reasonable accommodations (changes to rules/policies) and reasonable modifications (physical changes to your unit) for tenants with disabilities.
• ADA: Mostly applies to public spaces and services, like rental offices, leasing agencies, clubhouses, or common-use areas in apartment complexes. The ADA does not generally apply to the design or construction inside your private apartment.

In Louisiana, these laws are enforced alongside the Louisiana Equal Housing Opportunity Act, which ensures state-level protection against disability discrimination.

Key Accessibility Standards for Louisiana Renters

While the ADA and FHA work together to create accessible communities, your individual rights as a renter depend on your situation and the type of housing involved:

• Requesting Reasonable Accommodations (FHA): You can ask your landlord for changes to policies if needed—such as allowing a service animal in a "no pets" apartment, or getting a reserved parking spot close to your unit.
• Requesting Reasonable Modifications (FHA): You may request, at your own expense, to make physical changes for accessibility (for example, installing grab bars or a ramp). In some situations, assistance may be available.
• Accessible Common Areas (ADA): Facilities open to the public (leasing offices, building lobbies, pools, etc.) must meet ADA accessibility guidelines. This means doors, restrooms, and parking areas are required to be accessible to tenants and guests with disabilities.

The FHA also has special design and construction standards for buildings built after March 13, 1991—including accessible entryways and common-use areas in multifamily homes. Older properties may not always have these features, but landlords can’t refuse reasonable requests to make such spaces more accessible.

Which Law Applies? Examples for Renters

• If you use a wheelchair and need to install a ramp to your apartment door, the FHA governs this request.
• If you need the leasing office’s front entrance to be accessible, the ADA applies to the public-facing office, while the FHA covers your living unit.

How to Request a Disability Accommodation in Louisiana

Making an official request is usually straightforward. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not require a specific form nationwide, but written requests are best. In Louisiana, you can use a simple letter or contact your landlord in writing to explain your needs.

• FHA Reasonable Accommodation Request Template: While no official numbered form exists, this HUD guidance can be used to structure your letter.
• When to use: If you need a rule changed for your disability—like permission for a service animal or extra time to move out.

If your landlord refuses your request, or you believe you’ve been discriminated against, you may file a fair housing complaint.

• Federal Fair Housing Complaint Form (HUD-903.1): Use this official HUD housing discrimination complaint form to report issues regarding reasonable accommodations, modifications, or other housing discrimination.
• How to use: Submit if your written request is denied or ignored, or if you face retaliation after asking for a disability-related change.

Louisiana Housing Tribunal Information

There is no dedicated residential tenancy tribunal in Louisiana. Disputes between tenants and landlords are generally handled through civil court (city or parish district court). For further assistance, you can contact the Louisiana Housing Corporation, which provides information and referrals but does not resolve private landlord-tenant disputes.

The primary legislation governing residential tenancies in Louisiana is the Louisiana Civil Code, Articles 2668–2729 (Lease Law).[1]

FAQ: ADA, FHA, and Accessibility for Louisiana Renters

1. Do Louisiana landlords have to make all apartments accessible?
   Landlords are not required to make all units accessible, but they must allow reasonable modifications for tenants with disabilities and must not discriminate based on disability.
2. What should I do if my landlord denies my request for an accommodation?
   First, make sure your request was in writing and included documentation if needed. If it's denied, you can file a fair housing complaint with HUD using the official form linked above.
3. Can a landlord charge me more rent or a fee for a service animal?
   No. Under the FHA, landlords may not charge additional rent or a "pet fee" for an assistance animal, though you are responsible for any damage it causes.
4. Does the ADA cover private rental homes in Louisiana?
   No. The ADA generally does not apply to private living units, but does apply to public areas like rental offices. The FHA covers your rights inside your rental.
5. How can I make my apartment more accessible if it’s an older building?
   You can request reasonable modifications (like grab bars or ramps) under the FHA, at your own expense, and landlords can’t unreasonably refuse these changes.

Key Takeaways for Louisiana Renters

• The FHA protects your right to request disability accommodations and modifications in your rental housing.
• The ADA covers public and common areas in rental properties, not your apartment itself.
• If you feel your accessibility rights are violated, written requests and formal complaints to HUD are important tools.

Knowing your rights helps ensure your home meets your accessibility needs.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• HUD Fair Housing Office: National fair housing complaint information and filing
• Louisiana Housing Corporation: Contact for state housing resources and referrals
• U.S. Department of Justice ADA Information: Questions about ADA requirements in rental properties
• Louisiana Civil Code Lease Law: State legislation on leases, tenant and landlord duties

---

1. For Louisiana lease law, see Louisiana Civil Code, Articles 2668–2729

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