Requesting Reasonable Accommodations as a North Dakota Renter

If you are a renter with a disability in North Dakota, state and federal law protect your right to request reasonable accommodations from your landlord. Understanding how to make these requests can help ensure you have equal access to your rental housing.

What Is a Reasonable Accommodation?

A reasonable accommodation is a change or exception to a rule, policy, or service that a person with a disability needs to have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy their home. Examples include allowing a service animal in a "no pets" building or installing grab bars in a bathroom.

Legal Protections in North Dakota

Renters in North Dakota are protected by both federal law (Fair Housing Act) and the state-level North Dakota Human Rights Act. Landlords must consider requests for reasonable accommodations and cannot discriminate on the basis of disability.^[1] The enforcement agency for these matters is the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights.

How to Request a Reasonable Accommodation

There is no official state form required to request an accommodation in North Dakota, but sending a written request is recommended for your records. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers helpful guidance and sample letters for this process.

• Written Request: Clearly explain what change you need and why. You do not need to disclose your diagnosis, only that you have a disability per the legal definition.
• Documentation: If your disability or the need for the accommodation is not obvious, a letter from a healthcare professional may be helpful. HUD's Joint Statement on Reasonable Accommodations provides more details.
• Deliver Your Request: Submit your written request to your landlord or property manager. Send by mail or email for a record.

Sample Letter: Reasonable Accommodation Request

While North Dakota does not have a specific form, HUD provides a Sample Request for Reasonable Accommodation that renters can adapt to their situation. You might use this template if, for example, you need a reserved accessible parking spot close to your apartment due to limited mobility.

What If My Request Is Denied?

If your landlord refuses your request or does not respond, you can file a complaint with the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights or with HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. Both agencies can investigate claims of disability discrimination in housing.

• North Dakota Human Rights Complaint Form: Use this if you believe your rights under state law were violated. Download the ND Human Rights Complaint Form.
• HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (Form 903): Required if you file with HUD. Submit online via the HUD complaint portal or download Form 903.

In either process, you must provide details of your rental, your request, and the landlord’s response, if any.

Relevant Legislation

• Federal Fair Housing Act
• North Dakota Human Rights Act (NDCC Chapter 14-02.5)

1. Can my landlord ask for medical details?
   No. Your landlord can ask for proof that you have a disability-related need, but not your diagnosis or specific medical details.
2. What if my landlord ignores my request?
   If you don't get a timely response, file a complaint with the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights or with HUD.
3. Does a reasonable accommodation have to be expensive?
   No. If the accommodation is an unreasonable financial or administrative burden, the landlord may propose alternatives.
4. Are there limits to what I can request?
   Your request must be reasonable—meaning it does not cause undue hardship for the landlord or fundamentally change the nature of the rental.
5. Is my landlord allowed to charge extra for accommodations?
   No. Landlords cannot charge additional fees for granting a reasonable accommodation.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for North Dakota Renters

• You have the right to request reasonable accommodations for disabilities in North Dakota rentals under state and federal law.
• Always provide your request in writing and keep documentation.
• If denied, file a complaint with state or federal agencies to protect your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights – Housing Discrimination (primary tribunal for tenancy discrimination issues)
• ND Human Rights Complaint Form
• HUD Fair Housing Complaint Information
• U.S. Department of Justice – ADA Information

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1. See: North Dakota Human Rights Act, NDCC Chapter 14-02.5
2. See: HUD Reasonable Accommodations Overview
3. See: HUD Sample Letter for Reasonable Accommodation
4. See: HUD & DOJ Joint Statement on Reasonable Accommodations

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