Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation as a Renter in Ohio

Living with a disability shouldn’t mean giving up your rights at home. In Ohio, state and federal laws protect renters with disabilities, ensuring you can ask your landlord to make necessary changes, called “reasonable accommodations,” so you can enjoy your home just like anyone else. Whether you need a service animal, an accessible parking space, or a modification to enter your unit, understanding how to request these changes is crucial for protecting your right to accessible housing in Ohio.

What Is a Reasonable Accommodation?

A reasonable accommodation is a change to rules, policies, or services that lets a person with a disability enjoy their rental unit or common areas equally. Examples include:

• Allowing a service or emotional support animal, even if there’s a pet policy
• Providing an accessible parking space near your building
• Letting you move to a ground-floor apartment if stairs are a barrier

Ohio law, as well as the federal Fair Housing Act, requires landlords to consider these requests when they are reasonable and connected to your disability^[1].

How To Request a Reasonable Accommodation

You don’t need to use a special form, but putting your request in writing helps keep a clear record. Include details like:

• Your name and address
• A description of the accommodation you need
• How the request is connected to your disability (you do not need to reveal your exact diagnosis)
• A doctor’s note or documentation may help, but landlords can only ask for verification if your disability or need is not obvious

You may use a simple letter or an official form, such as the HUD Joint Statement on Reasonable Accommodations template, for federal law compliance.

Example: Submitting a Written Accommodation Request

If you need to install a grab bar in your bathroom, write a letter to your landlord requesting permission, explaining how it’s necessary for your mobility, and asking for a timeline. Attach a brief note from your healthcare provider if possible.

Official Forms and Where to Find Them

There is no state-mandated Ohio reasonable accommodation form, but the Ohio Civil Rights Commission offers a Housing Discrimination Intake Questionnaire for reporting housing discrimination or when a landlord denies an accommodation.

• Housing Discrimination Intake Questionnaire – Used to start a complaint if your accommodation request is denied or ignored. Submit this form to the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. Download the form here.

If your landlord refuses your accommodation or does not respond within a reasonable time (typically 10–14 days), you can file a complaint with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

What to Do If Your Request Is Denied

If a landlord refuses your reasonable accommodation request, you can:

• Clarify your request in writing and resubmit
• File a complaint with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission or with HUD’s Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Office

Your rights are protected under the Ohio Revised Code Section 4112.02 and the federal Fair Housing Act.

Which Agency Handles Tenant-Landlord Disputes in Ohio?

The Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC) is the official state agency that investigates housing discrimination complaints, including the denial of reasonable accommodations. If needed, renters may also seek resolution in an Ohio municipal or county court under the Ohio Landlord-Tenant Act.

FAQ

1. What counts as a disability for reasonable accommodations?
   Any physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities (such as walking, seeing, hearing, or working) qualifies under Ohio and federal law.
2. Can my landlord charge me more rent or a deposit for a service animal?
   No. In Ohio, landlords cannot charge extra for a service or emotional support animal, even if there’s a “no pets” rule.
3. Do I need to use a specific form to request an accommodation?
   No special form is needed. However, a clear written request is best. Templates are available from HUD and the OCRC for guidance.
4. How long does my landlord have to respond?
   Landlords should reply in a reasonable time – typically within 10–14 days – unless there’s an urgent or emergency need.
5. What if my landlord ignores or denies my request?
   You can file a complaint with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission or HUD, who will investigate your claim at no cost.

Summary and Key Takeaways

• You have the legal right to request reasonable accommodations for your disability in Ohio
• Submit requests in writing and keep records
• If you are refused or ignored, you can file a complaint with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission or HUD

Understanding your rights helps you access and enjoy your home safely and independently.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC) — File complaints, access forms, and get assistance
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) — National complaint portal and resources
• Ohio Landlord-Tenant Act — Full text of Ohio's residential tenancy laws
• Federal Fair Housing Act — Federal protections for renters with disabilities

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1. Ohio Civil Rights Commission. Housing Discrimination Information
2. Ohio Revised Code Section 4112.02. State Anti-Discrimination Law (Section 4112.02)
3. Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321. Ohio Landlord-Tenant Act
4. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Fair Housing Complaint Process
5. U.S. Department of Justice. Fair Housing Act

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