Disability Parking Rights for Oregon Renters

If you are a renter in Oregon with a disability, you have important rights under state and federal law to request parking accommodations from your landlord. Accessible parking is often essential for equal access to your home. This guide will explain your rights, how to request a disability parking accommodation, and where to get help.

Understanding Accessible Parking Rights for Renters

Federal law, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Housing Act, as well as Oregon State Law, protect tenants with disabilities from discrimination when it comes to parking. If your mobility is limited or you require accessible parking, you may request a reasonable accommodation from your landlord.

What Is a Reasonable Accommodation?

A reasonable accommodation is a change in rules, policies, or services so a person with a disability can use and enjoy their home equally. In the context of parking, this can include:

• Providing a reserved or accessible parking space close to your unit
• Allowing you to mark a space as reserved for your use
• Permitting modifications to create accessibility (such as signage or painting)

Landlords must grant such requests unless doing so would create an undue financial or administrative burden or fundamentally alter the nature of the property.

How to Request Parking Accommodation

Requesting a parking accommodation usually starts with a written request to your landlord or property manager. You do not need to use a specific form, but it is best to clearly outline your need and attach medical documentation or your Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles Disability Parking Permit.

Official Forms to Know

• Request for Reasonable Accommodation Sample Form
  Form Use: While Oregon does not require a specific state form, you can use the HUD Sample Reasonable Accommodation Request Form to make your request in writing.
  How it’s used: For example, Jane, who has a mobility impairment, fills out this form and gives it to her property manager, requesting a reserved space near her entry.
  Official Source: HUD – Reasonable Accommodations and Modifications
• Oregon DMV Disabled Parking Permit
  Form Name and Number: Application for Parking Permit for an Individual with a Disability (Form 735-265)
  Usage: If you need an official disabled parking placard, apply using this form.
  Download Form 735-265 from Oregon DMV

What If My Request Is Denied?

If your landlord denies your parking accommodation request, they must provide a written reason. You can respond and ask for reconsideration, or file a formal complaint with the Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries (BOLI), which enforces Oregon’s Fair Housing laws.

• Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries Civil Rights Division – handles fair housing complaints.
• If your property is federally subsidized, you may also file with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Relevant Legislation and Tribunals

Oregon’s main residential tenancy laws are codified in the Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) Chapter 90 – Residential Landlord and Tenant Act^[1]. Discrimination complaints are usually handled by the Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries (BOLI) Civil Rights Division or HUD. Tenancy disputes (such as eviction or repairs) are typically heard in the Oregon Circuit Courts. If your request is refused, these agencies can offer support or take enforcement action.

What to Expect After Submitting Your Request

The landlord should consider your request promptly and respond in writing. If approved, they may ask for clarification or medical documentation (but not a full medical record). The accommodation should be provided at no extra cost to you. Landlords are responsible for expenses related to marking or dedicating a parking space unless they can show it would cause significant difficulty or expense.

FAQ: Disability Parking Accommodations for Oregon Renters

1. Can I be charged extra for a reserved accessible parking space?
   Landlords in Oregon generally cannot charge additional rent or fees for granting a reasonable accommodation like a disabled parking space.
2. Do I need to provide medical records to get a parking accommodation?
   You only need to show that you have a disability and need the accommodation, such as providing a DMV disability placard or a brief letter from a health provider—not your full records.
3. What if my landlord says there is no available parking?
   Landlords are required to make reasonable efforts to accommodate. If no parking is available, they should consider reassigning spaces or making other efforts, unless they can prove undue hardship.
4. How soon must the landlord respond to my request?
   There is no set deadline in Oregon law, but landlords must respond promptly—typically within 10–14 days—unless extenuating circumstances exist.
5. Where can I file a complaint if I’m denied a parking accommodation?
   You can file a fair housing complaint with the Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries Civil Rights Division or HUD.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Oregon Renters

• Oregon law and federal law protect your right as a renter with a disability to request and obtain accessible parking.
• Use a written request (using the HUD sample form if you wish) and documentation such as a DMV placard.
• If denied, you have the right to file a complaint with Oregon BOLI or HUD.

Accessible parking is a right for tenants with disabilities. Take prompt action and seek support if you face obstacles—Oregon offers resources and legal protections to help ensure your needs are met.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries Civil Rights Division – Main agency for fair housing complaints and tenant rights information.
• Oregon Law Center – Provides free legal help for tenants facing discrimination or accommodation issues.
• HUD Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity – National fair housing enforcement and complaint information.
• Oregon DMV Disabled Parking Information – For placard application help.
• Oregon Judicial Department – Information on court procedures for landlord-tenant disputes.

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1. Oregon Revised Statutes, Chapter 90 – Residential Landlord and Tenant
2. Fair Housing Act – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
3. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

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