Requesting Reasonable Accommodation as a Renter in New Hampshire

If you’re a renter with a disability in New Hampshire, you have important rights under both federal and state law. Landlords must provide reasonable accommodations that allow you to enjoy your home equally, unless the request would pose an undue hardship. This guide will help you understand what accommodations are, how to request them, and where to turn for support in New Hampshire.

What Is a Reasonable Accommodation?

A reasonable accommodation is a change in rules, policies, practices, or services so that a person with a disability has an equal opportunity to use and enjoy their housing. These could include:

• Allowing a service animal even in a 'no pets' apartment
• Assigning a parking space closer to your unit
• Permitting rent payments on a different schedule due to disability-related income timing

Landlords must consider each request but are not required to provide an accommodation that causes undue financial or administrative burden, or fundamentally alters the nature of housing provided.

Your Rights under New Hampshire & Federal Law

Renters are protected by the federal Fair Housing Act and the New Hampshire Law Against Discrimination (NH RSA 354-A)^[1], which prohibit discrimination and require reasonable accommodation in most rental housing. The New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights is the official tribunal handling discrimination complaints including those about accommodations.

How to Request a Reasonable Accommodation in New Hampshire

The law does not require a specific form to request accommodation, but your request must make it clear that you are asking for a change due to a disability. Requests can be made verbally or in writing; however, written requests provide proof of your communication.

Recommended Steps for Making a Request

• Write a dated letter or email to your landlord explaining the need and connection to your disability
• Include what accommodation you are requesting and why it is necessary
• Attach supporting documentation if your disability or need is not obvious; this can be a brief letter from a healthcare provider (no diagnosis needed, just a statement of need)
• Keep a copy for your records

While there is no official state form, the HUD Sample Reasonable Accommodation Request Form can guide you in structuring your written request. Using a clear template helps ensure nothing important is left out.

• Form name: Sample Reasonable Accommodation Request Letter (HUD)
• When/how used: Any time you need to request a policy or rule change from your landlord or property manager due to a disability. For instance, if you need a ramp to enter your building, you would complete this sample letter and give it to your landlord.
• Access here: HUD Reasonable Accommodation Sample Letter

If Your Request Is Denied

If a landlord refuses your reasonable accommodation and you believe the denial is unjust, you may file a discrimination complaint with the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights. The Commission can order relief if they find discrimination occurred.

• Tribunal name: New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights
• Contact: NHCHR Contact Page
• Use the official Charge of Discrimination Form to start a formal complaint
• Example: If your landlord refuses to let you have a service animal, file this complaint form with the Commission for an investigation.

Summary of Key Action Steps

Requesting reasonable accommodation involves clear communication and understanding your rights. Here’s the process at a glance:

• Identify your need and how it relates to your disability
• Make your request in writing, providing any necessary supporting information
• If the request is denied, contact the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights for assistance or to file a complaint

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What counts as a disability under New Hampshire law?
   A disability is a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. This can include mobility, hearing, vision, psychiatric, or chronic health conditions.
2. Can my landlord ask for proof of my disability?
   A landlord may ask for documentation if your disability or need is not obvious, but they cannot ask for your diagnosis—just confirmation from a healthcare professional that you need the accommodation.
3. Is my landlord allowed to deny my request?
   Your landlord may deny the request if it would cause an undue financial or administrative burden, or fundamentally alter the rental’s nature. These cases are specific and require clear reasoning from the landlord.
4. What if my landlord retaliates against me for asking?
   It is illegal for landlords to retaliate against you for requesting a reasonable accommodation. If you experience retaliation, you can file a complaint with the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights.
5. Are housing providers required to pay for the accommodation?
   They may be required to pay if the accommodation is reasonable and does not pose undue hardship, but sometimes costs can be shared or fall to the renter. Each situation is evaluated individually.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for New Hampshire Renters

• You have the right to request reasonable accommodation for a disability under state and federal law.
• Make your request in writing and keep records.
• If denied, you have the right to seek help or file a complaint with the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights.

This process helps ensure all renters have safe, equal access to their homes.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights – File discrimination complaints or get more information
• New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority – Tenant Resources
• HUD Fair Housing Complaint Process – Federal process for reporting housing discrimination
• NH Department of Health and Human Services – Disability Services

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1. New Hampshire Law Against Discrimination (NH RSA 354-A)
2. Federal Fair Housing Act
3. HUD Sample Accommodation Request Letter
4. NHCHR Charge of Discrimination Form

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