Can my landlord charge me extra for a service animal in Rhode Island?

No, landlords cannot charge extra fees or pet rent for a service animal. You may only be responsible for any damages caused by the animal.

Is my landlord required to let me make modifications to my unit?

Yes, landlords must allow reasonable modifications for accessibility if you agree to return the unit to its original condition when you move out.

What if my landlord denies my accommodation request?

You can file a housing discrimination complaint with the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights or HUD. Keep documentation of your request.

Are all rental properties in Rhode Island required to be wheelchair accessible?

No, only buildings first occupied after March 13, 1991 with four or more units must meet accessibility standards under the FHA.

Understanding ADA and FHA Accessibility Rights for Renters in Rhode Island

Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Rhode Island published: June 21, 2025

If you’re renting in Rhode Island and have a disability, navigating accessibility standards can feel overwhelming. Federal laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA) offer different protections. Knowing which laws apply and how they work together can make it easier to secure needed accommodations, resolve disputes, or file a complaint. This guide explains the key differences and practical rights for Rhode Island renters.

Accessibility Rights: How the ADA and FHA Work for Rhode Island Renters

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and FHA (Fair Housing Act) are federal laws, but both also impact Rhode Island renters in important ways.

ADA protects people with disabilities from discrimination in public areas and government-owned apartment complexes.
FHA stops housing providers (including most landlords) from discriminating against renters with disabilities and requires certain accessibility features in newer buildings.

Rhode Island law further supports these rights through its own Human Rights Commission and adaptations of these federal protections.

When Does Each Law Apply?

ADA applies mainly to public spaces, such as leasing offices, or housing funded/subsidized by the government (not usually privately owned apartments).
FHA protects nearly all rental housing built after March 13, 1991, and any landlord or property manager must comply with its requirements.

Tip: If you need a reasonable accommodation or accessibility modification, the FHA usually applies to your rights as a renter, but ADA might also cover certain common areas.

Your Rights as a Renter with Disabilities in Rhode Island

Under these laws, you have the right to:

Request reasonable accommodations (such as a reserved parking spot or a service animal, even if there’s a “no pets” policy)
Request reasonable modifications to your living space (like installing grab bars or lowering cabinets, at your expense)
Live in a building that meets design requirements for accessibility if it was constructed after March 13, 1991

How to Request an Accommodation or Modification

There is no single official form required for all situations, but documenting your request in writing is recommended. In Rhode Island, you may use the following resource:

Reasonable Accommodation/Modification Request Form
(No official state-wide form number; some landlords or local agencies may use their own version.)
When to use: To request changes or exceptions to rules, policies, or physical structures due to your disability.
How it works: Write or fill out a request and provide it to your landlord or property manager. State what accommodation or modification you need, why, and provide supporting documentation if necessary.
See a sample Reasonable Accommodation/Modification Request Form from HUD

If your request is denied or ignored, you can file a complaint:

Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights Complaint Form
When to use: If you believe your accommodation request has been unreasonably denied.
How it works: Submit the form to the state’s official tribunal handling housing discrimination.
Download Rhode Island Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (Form 903)
When to use: If you want to report disability discrimination to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
How it works: Complete and submit to address federal protections. File a housing discrimination complaint online with HUD

Who Handles Tenant Complaints in Rhode Island?

The Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights investigates housing discrimination complaints and enforces the Fair Housing Act and state law. For landlord-tenant disputes unrelated to discrimination, the Rhode Island District Court – Landlord and Tenant Division handles evictions and other tenancy cases.

Key Differences: ADA vs. FHA

ADA: Accessibility for common areas/public spaces; mostly impacts government-owned or subsidized rental housing.
FHA: Applies to most private rentals; covers both accommodations (rule exceptions) and modifications (physical changes); covers a wider range of rental scenarios.

In most private rentals, it is the FHA and state law that grant your core accessibility rights.

FAQ: Rhode Island Renters and Accessibility Laws

Can my landlord charge me extra for a service animal in Rhode Island?
No. Under the FHA, landlords cannot charge extra pet rent or fees for a service animal, but you may be responsible for damages caused by the animal. Learn more about assistance animals and your rights.
Is my landlord required to let me make modifications to my unit?
Yes. Landlords must allow reasonable physical modifications if you agree to restore the unit when you leave (if required and reasonable). Refer to HUD’s guidance on modifications.
What if my landlord denies my accommodation request?
You can file a complaint with the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights or HUD. Keep records of your written request and any responses.
Are all rental properties in Rhode Island required to be wheelchair accessible?
No. Only buildings built for first occupancy after March 13, 1991, with four or more units, are required to meet certain accessibility standards under FHA. Older buildings may not be covered, but reasonable accommodations still apply.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Renters

The FHA is your main protection against disability discrimination in most Rhode Island rentals.
You have the right to request accommodations or modifications—and to file a complaint if those rights are denied.
Contacting the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights or HUD can help enforce your rights and resolve disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights – Official state board for housing accessibility and discrimination complaints
Rhode Island District Court - Landlord and Tenant Division – Handles legal proceedings between renters and landlords
HUD Fair Housing Complaint Portal – File a federal discrimination complaint online
Rhode Island Housing – Info on state affordable housing and accessibility