Do I have to fill out a special form to ask for a reasonable accommodation in Louisiana?

No, you do not need a special form. You may make your request in your own words, though it's best to put it in writing for your records.

What should I do if my landlord ignores my request?

Follow up with a written reminder. If there is still no response, you can file a housing discrimination complaint with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry or HUD.

Can my landlord ask for proof of my disability?

Yes, if your disability or need is not obvious, your landlord can request limited verification from a qualified professional, but not your full medical history.

Can my landlord charge extra fees for a service animal?

No, landlords may not charge extra fees, deposits, or rent for service or assistance animals.

Where do I file a housing discrimination complaint in Louisiana?

You can file a complaint through the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry or with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation as a Renter in Louisiana

Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Louisiana published: June 21, 2025

If you’re renting a home or apartment in Louisiana and have a disability, you have important rights. Louisiana laws and the federal Fair Housing Act protect you from discrimination and allow you to request reasonable accommodations from your landlord. Understanding this process can ensure you get the changes or assistance you need to live comfortably and safely.

Understanding Reasonable Accommodation

A "reasonable accommodation" is a change to rules, policies, practices, or services so a person with a disability has an equal opportunity to use and enjoy their home. Some examples include allowing a service animal in a no-pet building, installing grab bars in a bathroom, or granting a reserved parking space near your unit.

Reasonable accommodations are protected by the federal Fair Housing Act and state law.
Landlords must consider requests unless it causes them an "undue financial or administrative burden" or fundamentally alters the nature of their operations.

Every request is unique, and landlords may ask for information to verify a disability, but not details about your diagnosis or private health history.

Your Rights Under Louisiana Law

Louisiana’s housing discrimination laws work alongside federal protections to ensure renters are not unfairly treated due to a disability. The primary state law covering this is the Louisiana Open Housing Act.^[1] For disputes, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Division handles housing discrimination complaints.

How to Request a Reasonable Accommodation

You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time—before signing a lease or anytime during your tenancy. You do not need to use special language, but your request must make it clear that you are asking for a change due to a disability.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Request

Requests should be made in writing so there’s a record, but oral requests are also valid.
Clearly explain what you need, why, and how it relates to your disability.
Include supporting documents if your disability is not obvious (such as a short letter from a doctor or licensed professional).

Landlords should respond promptly, but if you haven’t heard back in a reasonable time, follow up in writing. If your request is denied, you may ask for the reason and see if a different accommodation could work.

Your landlord cannot charge extra fees for making a reasonable accommodation but may require you to restore property changes (like grab bars) before you move out, if reasonable.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

Louisiana Fair Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (No official number):
View and download the form
When to use: If your landlord denies your accommodation request without a valid reason, you may file this official complaint with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry's Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Division. Renters typically fill out Section 5 to explain the discrimination scenario.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Housing Complaint Form (Form 903):
File online with HUD
When to use: If you experience discrimination related to a reasonable accommodation, you can submit this federal complaint as an alternative or in addition to the state process.

Filing a complaint is usually a last step if communication with your landlord doesn’t resolve your issue.

What to Expect After Your Request

After you submit a reasonable accommodation request, your landlord should respond and discuss the request with you. If they agree, you may proceed. If they deny it, you have the right to know the reason and pursue other options such as mediation or a formal complaint.

FAQ: Reasonable Accommodation for Louisiana Renters

Do I have to fill out a special form to ask for a reasonable accommodation in Louisiana?
No, you can make your request in your own words. However, putting it in writing is recommended for your records.
What should I do if my landlord ignores my request?
Follow up in writing. If you do not get a response after reasonable attempts, you may file a complaint with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry or HUD.
Can my landlord ask for proof of my disability?
Yes, if your disability or need for accommodation is not obvious, a landlord may request limited documentation from a medical or social services professional. They cannot ask for your full medical records.
Can my landlord charge me extra for a service animal?
No, under the law, service and assistance animals are not considered pets and you cannot be charged pet fees for them.
Where do I file a complaint about housing discrimination in Louisiana?
You can file with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Key Takeaways for Renters

You have the right to request reasonable accommodations due to disability in Louisiana housing.
Make your requests in writing and keep copies for your records.
Official forms exist for filing a complaint if your needs are not met.

Taking these steps helps protect your rights and supports equal access to safe, comfortable housing.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry – Housing Discrimination Division (Official state agency handling complaints)
Louisiana Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
HUD Fair Housing Information (Federal program and complaint filing)
U.S. Department of Justice – Fair Housing Act Overview

Louisiana Open Housing Act, La. R.S. §§51:2601 et seq.
Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 3601–3619