Medical Proof for Disability Accommodations: Utah Renters’ Rights

If you rent in Utah and need your landlord to make changes because of a disability, you may wonder if you have to provide medical proof. Understanding your rights, and how Utah law works alongside federal protections, is vital to ensuring reasonable accommodations at home.

Your Rights to Disability Accommodations in Utah Rentals

Under the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) and Utah’s Antidiscrimination Act, renters with disabilities have the right to request reasonable accommodations and modifications in housing. A "reasonable accommodation" is a change to rules, policies, or services that helps a person with a disability use and enjoy their home. However, the process for requesting these changes can sometimes feel intimidating or confusing.

What Landlords Can (and Cannot) Ask For

Utah landlords are allowed to ask for verification that a renter has a qualifying disability if the disability is not obvious. Landlords cannot ask for your specific diagnosis or full medical records. Instead, they may request documentation that simply confirms you have a disability (as defined by law) and that your requested accommodation is related to that disability.

• If your disability or the need for the accommodation is obvious or already known, landlords should not ask for further medical proof.
• If your disability is not apparent, reasonable documentation from a healthcare provider, social worker, or other reliable third party is allowed.

Landlords must keep any documentation confidential. They can only use the information to evaluate your accommodation request.

How to Request a Disability Accommodation

To ask your landlord for a disability accommodation in Utah, you usually must make a written request and provide the supporting documentation (if necessary).

• Form Name: Utah Antidiscrimination & Labor Division (UALD) Reasonable Accommodation Request Form
• When & How Used: This form helps Utah renters formally ask landlords to change policies, such as allowing an assistance animal or modifying parking. Attach appropriate simple documentation if your need is not obvious. For example, a letter from your doctor stating you have a disability and need an accommodation. Find the request form on the official Utah Labor Commission site.

Keep copies of all correspondence with your landlord.

Who Handles Housing Discrimination Complaints in Utah?

If your landlord refuses a reasonable accommodation or asks for inappropriate medical details, you can file a complaint with the Utah Antidiscrimination & Labor Division (UALD). This agency oversees fair housing enforcement and handles disputes between tenants and landlords related to disability accommodations.

The Utah Fair Housing Act and federal Fair Housing Act both protect Utah renters from discrimination due to disability.

Steps to Take if a Landlord Requests Excessive Medical Proof

• Remind your landlord that only simple verification is required—never full records or a diagnosis.
• Use the UALD Reasonable Accommodation Request Form for clear communication.
• If problems persist, document your interactions and consider filing a complaint.

FAQ: Common Questions About Medical Proof in Utah Rentals

Here are the most common concerns Utah renters have about medical proof and accommodations. If you need more detail, always refer to official resources below.

1. Can my landlord ask for my full medical records as proof?
   No. Landlords may only require simple verification that you have a disability and need an accommodation, not full records or diagnoses.
2. Is a letter from my nurse or therapist enough?
   Yes, as long as the letter verifies you have a qualifying disability and need the requested accommodation. It does not need to specify your condition.
3. How do I file a complaint if my request is denied?
   You can file a complaint with the Utah Antidiscrimination & Labor Division. Start this process using the official online system or by contacting them directly.
4. Does this apply to all rentals in Utah?
   Most Utah rentals are covered by fair housing law. Some exemptions may apply in certain owner-occupied buildings, but most typical rentals must comply.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Utah Renters

• Utah landlords cannot demand excessive or private medical records for a disability accommodation; only simple documentation is needed.
• Your rights are protected under both Utah and federal law. Use official forms and keep documentation.
• Utah’s Antidiscrimination & Labor Division is your go-to agency for fair housing support.

Staying informed helps you advocate for your needs while protecting your privacy and housing rights.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Utah Antidiscrimination & Labor Division (UALD) – Fair Housing
  File complaints, download accommodation forms, and find contact details.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Fair Housing
  Learn about national housing rights and protections.
• Utah Fair Housing Act – Official Legislation

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1. Utah Fair Housing Act: Read the Utah Fair Housing Act here
2. Utah Antidiscrimination & Labor Division: UALD Official Website and Forms
3. Federal Fair Housing Act: Federal Fair Housing Act, Section 3604
4. HUD Guidance on Documenting Disability: HUD: Assessing a Person’s Request to Have an Assistance Animal

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