Can Landlords in Missouri Ask for Medical Proof of Disability?

If you are a renter in Missouri and need changes to your rental home because of a disability, you may be wondering if your landlord can ask you for medical proof. Understanding your rights around reasonable accommodations helps ensure you get the support you need while respecting the law and your landlord’s position. This article clearly explains what the law says in Missouri, the documentation you may need, and how to make a successful request if you need an accommodation.

Understanding Reasonable Accommodations and Your Rights

Reasonable accommodations allow tenants with disabilities to use and enjoy their housing equally. Examples include allowing service animals in a no-pet building or installing grab bars in a bathroom. Under the federal Fair Housing Act and Missouri Human Rights Act, landlords in Missouri are generally required to make reasonable accommodations unless it creates an excessive financial or administrative burden.^[1]

Can Your Landlord Ask for Medical Proof?

Yes, a landlord in Missouri can ask for documentation to verify that a renter has a disability and needs an accommodation. However, they are not allowed to ask for detailed medical records or information about your specific diagnosis. Usually, a letter from a licensed medical, mental health, or service provider is sufficient, stating:

• You have a disability (as defined by the law)
• The requested accommodation is necessary for you to use and enjoy your home

The key is that the information should be limited to what is needed to verify the disability and the connection to your accommodation request.

How to Provide Documentation

While there isn’t a mandatory statewide form, documentation is typically provided as a letter from your healthcare provider. Here’s how to use it in practice:

• Ask your healthcare provider for a letter confirming your disability and why the accommodation is needed (no diagnosis is required)
• Give this letter to your landlord with your written accommodation request

Sometimes, landlords may provide their own form for you and your provider to complete. If so, make sure it only asks for information allowed by law (not your detailed medical history).

Relevant Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Missouri Human Rights Commission (MHRC) Complaint Form (Discrimination Complaint Form):
  Use this official form to file a discrimination complaint if your landlord denies a requested reasonable accommodation or asks for improper documentation. You’ll fill in your contact info, details about your landlord, and describe the situation. Submit the form to the Missouri Commission on Human Rights (see Resources section below).

What Missouri Law Says About Disability Accommodations

Both state and federal laws protect renters with disabilities in Missouri. The Missouri Human Rights Act ensures that housing providers cannot discriminate based on disability, and are required to make reasonable accommodations when needed.^[2] The federal Fair Housing Act provides similar protections. You can learn more about your rights on the Missouri Commission on Human Rights website.

When Can a Landlord Deny an Accommodation?

A landlord can deny an accommodation if:

• The request would be an undue financial or administrative burden
• The change would fundamentally alter the nature of the housing
• There is no connection between your disability and the requested accommodation

If you believe your request was unfairly denied, you can file a complaint with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights.

How Missouri Handles Tenant Complaints

The official state board for these matters is the Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR). This agency investigates housing discrimination complaints and has authority to enforce Missouri’s fair housing laws.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a landlord ask me to share my diagnosis?
   No, landlords can only request documentation showing you have a qualifying disability and that the accommodation is necessary. They cannot demand details about your diagnosis or medical records.
2. What should be in my provider’s letter?
   Your provider’s letter should confirm you have a disability as defined by law and explain the need for the specific accommodation, without revealing your diagnosis.
3. Can my landlord deny my request if I don’t provide enough proof?
   A landlord may deny a request if you don’t give adequate documentation, but remember, only limited information is required by law.
4. What if my landlord refuses my request even after I provide proof?
   If a landlord refuses a reasonable disability accommodation, you can file a complaint with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights using their official complaint form.
5. Does Missouri have a specific accommodation request form?
   No, but you can use a letter from a healthcare provider. Use the state’s Discrimination Complaint Form if you need to report a problem.

Key Takeaways

• Missouri landlords can require documentation for disability accommodations but not a detailed diagnosis.
• Only basic proof that the accommodation is necessary and disability exists is required.
• If your request is unfairly denied, you can submit a complaint to the Missouri Commission on Human Rights.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Missouri Commission on Human Rights – Housing complaint process, resources, and contact information
• Missouri Discrimination Complaint Form – Official form to report accommodation denials or housing discrimination
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (Missouri) – More information on national fair housing rights and referrals

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1. See the Fair Housing Act and Missouri Human Rights Act
2. Missouri Human Rights Act, Section 213.040: Housing Discrimination Protections

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