Missouri Renters: Disability Parking Rights & Accommodations

Accessible parking can be crucial for tenants living with disabilities. Missouri renters have strong legal protections regarding parking accommodations, but the exact process, forms, and legislation can feel overwhelming. This guide explains your rights, what steps to take, and where to turn for help if you’re a renter needing an accessible parking space in Missouri.

Your Rights to Accessible Parking as a Renter in Missouri

Under both federal and Missouri law, tenants with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations, which can include accessible or reserved parking spaces. Landlords generally must provide these accommodations unless doing so would create an undue financial or administrative burden, or fundamentally alter the nature of the housing.

• Federal law: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects many tenants in larger apartment complexes.
• Missouri law: The Missouri Human Rights Act also prohibits discrimination and requires reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities.

Reasonable parking accommodations may include:

• Designating a parking space near an accessible entrance
• Adjusting existing policies (such as “first come, first served” parking) to reserve a space
• Modifying curbs or signage for accessibility

How to Request an Accessible Parking Accommodation

If you need a reserved or modified parking space, start by making your request in writing to your landlord or property manager. You are not required to use special language, but it is helpful to be specific about your needs and to indicate that your request is related to a disability.

Required Documentation

Landlords may ask for documentation showing that you have a qualifying disability and need the requested accommodation. This might include a letter from a healthcare provider but should not require detailed medical records.

Missouri Reasonable Accommodation Request Form

You do not have to use a particular document, but you may use the sample Reasonable Accommodation Request Form provided by the Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR):

• Form Name: Reasonable Accommodation Request Form
• When to Use: When asking your landlord for an accommodation, such as an accessible parking space.
• Practical Example: After struggling to access your apartment from distant parking, you submit this form with a note from your doctor requesting a reserved space close to the entrance.
• Access the Missouri Reasonable Accommodation Request Form (LS-112-AI)

What If Your Accommodation Request Is Denied?

Landlords in Missouri cannot simply ignore or dismiss a reasonable accommodation request. If your written request is denied or ignored, you can:

• Contact the Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR) to file a complaint
• File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Official Tribunal/Board:
The Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR) is responsible for enforcing Missouri’s anti-discrimination and reasonable accommodation laws for residential tenancies.

Filing a Discrimination Complaint in Missouri

• Form Name: Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
• When to Use: If your landlord refuses your reasonable parking accommodation request without a valid reason.
• Practical Example: After a written request and supporting documents are provided but the landlord will not discuss the issue, you complete the form to open an investigation.
• Download the Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (LS-112-H)

This process is free of charge and you have legal protection against retaliation for filing a complaint.

Missouri Laws on Accessible Parking: What Landlords Must Do

Landlords covered by the Missouri Human Rights Act and federal Fair Housing Act must:

• Respond promptly to written accommodation requests
• Engage in a good-faith conversation about possible solutions
• Not retaliate or treat you unfairly for requesting accommodation

If a change causes major expense or property changes, landlords can propose reasonable alternatives, but must explain these options clearly and promptly in writing.

FAQ: Missouri Disability Parking Accommodations

1. Can a landlord charge extra for a disability parking accommodation?
   No. Landlords cannot charge you additional fees or increased rent for a reasonable accommodation like a reserved parking space.
2. Do I need a handicap parking permit to get a reserved space at my apartment?
   You may need to show documentation (like a doctor’s letter or handicap parking placard) to demonstrate your need, but your landlord cannot demand specific medical records.
3. How long does it take for the landlord to respond to my request?
   Landlords must respond promptly. Missouri law does not set an exact number of days, but a general guideline is within 10–14 business days.
4. What if parking is limited at my building?
   Your landlord must make reasonable efforts to accommodate, but if there is no possible way to provide a closer or reserved spot, they should offer alternatives or document why accommodation is not possible.
5. Can my landlord ask about my specific disability?
   No. They may ask for confirmation of your need from a medical professional, but not for specific details about your condition.

Conclusion: Missouri Disability Parking Accommodation Essentials

• You have a legal right to request accessible parking at your rental property in Missouri.
• Use official forms to document your request and take action if your rights are denied.
• The Missouri Commission on Human Rights is your main state resource for help.

Understanding your rights and the steps for requesting parking accommodations ensures better accessibility—and peace of mind—in your rental home.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR) – File a discrimination complaint or call (877) 781-4236
• Missouri Reasonable Accommodation Request Form (PDF)
• Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF)
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Fair Housing Information

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1. Missouri Human Rights Act, Section 213.065
2. Missouri Commission on Human Rights – Official Complaint Forms
3. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
4. Fair Housing Act – U.S. Department of Justice

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