Who Pays for Disability Access Changes in Oregon Rentals?

Accessibility is a vital right for renters with disabilities in Oregon. Many renters wonder who pays when modifications—like ramps, grab bars, or widened doorways—are needed to make a home accessible. Oregon law, working alongside the federal Fair Housing Act, lays out clear rules that renters and landlords must follow to support fair housing for everyone.

Understanding Your Right to Accessibility in Oregon Rentals

Renters with disabilities have a legal right to request reasonable modifications—physical changes made to a rental so they can live comfortably and safely. This right is protected by both federal and state laws, including the Fair Housing Act and Oregon's Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 659A (Discrimination).

Who Is Responsible for Paying?

• In most cases, renters are responsible for paying the costs of accessibility modifications in privately owned Oregon rentals.
• Landlords must allow reasonable modifications if the renter pays and agrees to restore the unit after move-out (if required).
• If the building receives federal funding, the landlord may be required to pay for certain changes. Always confirm with the landlord if government funding is involved.

This means if you need to add ramps, install grab bars, or make doors wider to access your home, you typically pay for those changes, but landlords must give you permission as long as the modification is reasonable and necessary due to a disability.

What Counts as a Reasonable Modification?

• Installing ramps or wheelchair-accessible entryways
• Adding grab bars in the bathroom
• Lowering cabinets or countertops
• Widening doorways
• Removing carpeting for easier wheelchair movement

These changes should not create undue cost or disruption for the landlord.

How to Request Accessibility Modifications in Oregon

To get approval, renters need to inform their landlord of the needed modification and provide details. It’s best to make this request in writing and keep a copy for your records. Landlords cannot legally deny a reasonable modification if it’s necessary for your equal use of the property.

• Explain the modification needed and why it’s necessary due to your disability.
• State you are willing to pay for the modification and restore the unit to its original condition if required.
• Your landlord may require you to provide a reasonable description of the work and restore the unit when you move out.

Oregon Reasonable Accommodation and Modification Forms

• Oregon Fair Housing Council: Reasonable Accommodation/Modification Request Form
  Form Use: This form can be used when you request approval for disability-related changes. For example, if you need to install grab bars in your bathroom, complete this form and submit it to your landlord.
  Download the official request form here (Housing Accommodation/Modification Request Form).

If the landlord requests restoration of the rental unit when you move out, you should agree to this arrangement in writing as well. It is recommended to clarify, in advance, what "restoration" will mean—such as removing grab bars and repairing any holes.

Dispute Resolution: Where to Go if You Face Problems

Oregon's official tribunal for landlord-tenant issues is the Oregon Circuit Court (Landlord-Tenant Department). Discrimination and accommodation complaints can be filed with the Bureau of Labor & Industries Civil Rights Division.

Key Oregon Legislation: The Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90) governs rental relationships, including rules on modifications and tenant protections.^[1]

Restoring the Unit When You Move Out

The landlord may require you to restore the interior to its original condition, within reason, unless the modifications are likely to be useful to future tenants. Be sure to get any restoration requirement in writing.

FAQ: Oregon Accessibility Modifications for Disabled Renters

1. Can my landlord refuse my request for an accessibility modification?
   No, a landlord generally cannot refuse a reasonable and necessary modification related to your disability, unless it would create undue financial or administrative burden.
2. Do I have to pay to restore the apartment when I move out?
   Often yes—if the modification is not likely to be useful to future tenants, you may need to cover the cost to restore the property to its previous condition.
3. Are there grants to help with the cost of modifications?
   Sometimes. Some state or local programs and nonprofit organizations may offer financial help. Check with Oregon’s Fair Housing Council or local county services for possible resources.
4. What can I do if my landlord delays or ignores my request?
   File a complaint with the Bureau of Labor and Industries Civil Rights Division or seek help from Oregon Legal Aid Services.
5. Do these rules apply to all rentals in Oregon?
   Yes, in most private rentals. However, landlords of properties that receive federal financial assistance may carry different responsibilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Conclusion: What Oregon Renters Should Remember

• Renters can request needed accessibility modifications but usually must pay the cost themselves.
• Always document your modification request and agreement with your landlord.
• If a request is denied or delayed, Oregon has official channels to help resolve disputes.

Understanding these rules can help renters and landlords work together to maintain fair access and legal compliance in Oregon rentals.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries (BOLI) – Housing Discrimination Help: File complaints and learn about your rights.
• Oregon Law Help: Free legal info and support for renters.
• Oregon Housing and Community Services Department: State housing resources and contacts.
• Fair Housing Council of Oregon: Guidance and support for modification and accommodation requests.

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1. Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90)
2. HUD: Reasonable Accommodations and Modifications
3. Oregon Reasonable Accommodation/Modification Request Form (Official PDF)
4. Oregon Circuit Court – Landlord/Tenant Information
5. Oregon BOLI Housing Discrimination Complaints

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