Parking Rights for Tenants With Disabilities in Pennsylvania

Finding accessible parking is essential for many tenants with disabilities. In Pennsylvania, renters are legally protected and have the right to request parking accommodations that meet their accessibility needs at their rental property. This guide explains your rights, the relevant laws, the process to request accommodations, and how to get further help if you face challenges.

Your Right to Accessible Parking in Pennsylvania Rentals

Federal and state laws require landlords to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities. This includes providing accessible parking spaces, adjusting existing parking arrangements, or allowing tenants to park closer to their home or in specialized spaces if needed.

• The Fair Housing Act (FHA): Protects individuals with disabilities from being denied reasonable accommodations in housing, including parking adjustments.
• Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA): Provides similar protections at the state level for housing discrimination based on disability.

Landlords must consider requests for parking accommodations as "reasonable accommodations" under federal Fair Housing law and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act^[1][2].

How to Request a Parking Accommodation

If you need accessible parking, you have the right to make a formal request to your landlord or property manager. There is no universal statewide form, but you should submit a written request describing what you need and referencing your disability-related need for accommodation.

What to Include in Your Request

• A brief statement that you have a disability (you do not need to disclose the diagnosis).
• Describe the needed parking accommodation (e.g., a reserved space, accessible spot, or closer location).
• Explain why it is necessary due to your disability.

If your landlord asks for verification, you may be required to provide a note from a healthcare provider. The request should be processed promptly, and the landlord must respond in a reasonable time frame.

Official Complaint Forms

• Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) Intake Questionnaire
  PHRC Intake Questionnaire (no form number)
  Use this form if your landlord denies your request or discriminates against you because of your disability. Submit the form to begin an official complaint with the PHRC. For example, if the landlord refuses to provide accessible parking, fill out this form and send it to the PHRC by mail, fax, or online.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (HUD-903.1)
  HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (HUD-903.1)
  Use this if you want to make a federal complaint about discrimination related to parking accommodations. Submit online, by mail, or fax to HUD. For example, if your landlord consistently ignores your parking accommodation request, file this form with HUD.

If Your Parking Request Is Denied

Landlords must review each accommodation request individually and respond promptly. A request can be denied only if it poses an undue financial or administrative burden, or fundamentally alters the nature of the property.

Pennsylvania Tribunal Handling Tenant Complaints

In Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) is the main agency investigating housing discrimination complaints. They enforce the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act and can order remedies if your rights are violated.

• Contact the PHRC directly for guidance on the complaint process.

FAQ About Disability Parking Accommodations

1. Can my landlord charge extra for an accessible parking space?
   No, under the Fair Housing Act and Pennsylvania law, landlords cannot charge extra for a reasonable parking accommodation that is necessary due to a disability.
2. Do I need to disclose my disability to my landlord?
   You only need to state that you have a disability-related need; you do not have to provide a diagnosis or medical details, though your landlord may request verification from a healthcare professional.
3. What should I do if my landlord ignores my parking request?
   Submit your request in writing, document your communications, and if there's no timely response, consider filing a complaint with the PHRC or HUD using official forms.
4. Are there laws protecting my right to accessible parking as a renter in Pennsylvania?
   Yes, both the Fair Housing Act and Pennsylvania Human Relations Act protect your right to reasonable accommodations in housing, including parking.
5. Can my landlord refuse my request for an accessible spot?
   Only if providing the accommodation causes them undue hardship or significantly changes the property. Otherwise, they must make a good-faith effort to comply.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) — File discrimination complaints, find forms, and get guidance on housing accommodations.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Housing Portal — Educational resources and federal complaint forms for fair housing rights.
• Pennsylvania Renters Guide (pa.gov) — General information and renter protections in Pennsylvania.
• Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency — Housing Counselors — Get in touch with local housing counselors for personal guidance and legal aid referrals.

---

1. [1] Federal Fair Housing Act — U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
2. [2] Pennsylvania Human Relations Act — Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations