Parking Accommodation Rights for Renters with Disabilities in Virginia

Finding suitable parking as a renter with a disability in Virginia can be challenging. Thankfully, both federal and state laws require landlords to provide reasonable parking accommodations for tenants with disabilities. If you or a family member needs an accessible parking space, knowing your rights and the steps to request adjustments is essential.

Laws Protecting Disability Parking Rights in Virginia

In Virginia, tenant rights regarding accessibility—including parking accommodations—are protected by several important laws:

• Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA)
• Federal Fair Housing Act (FHA)
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), primarily for public spaces

Under these laws, landlords must make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, or services so tenants with disabilities can enjoy equal access to housing, including designated or modified parking when necessary.^[1]

What Is a Reasonable Parking Accommodation?

A reasonable accommodation for parking can include:

• Assigning an existing parking spot nearest to the tenant’s unit
• Creating a new accessible or reserved spot if none are available
• Marking or signage for exclusive use by the disabled tenant

These changes are generally at the landlord’s expense, provided they are not unduly burdensome or structurally infeasible.

How to Request a Parking Accommodation in Virginia

Requesting a parking accommodation starts with a written notice to your landlord. It is best practice to submit a formal request and include proof of disability if needed.

Required Forms and Where to Get Them

• Reasonable Accommodation Request Letter
  No official state-issued form; a simple, dated written letter or email is typically sufficient. Virginia Housing suggests using a letter modelled after their Request for Reasonable Accommodation or Modification Form.
  How to use: Fill out with details of your request and submit to your landlord or property manager. For example, "I am requesting a reserved accessible parking space near my apartment due to my mobility impairment." Attach relevant documentation if required by the landlord.
• Virginia Fair Housing Office Complaint Form (DPOR Fair Housing Complaint Form)
  Official Fair Housing Complaint Form
  How to use: If your request is denied or ignored, complete and file this form with the Virginia Fair Housing Office. Provide copies of your written request and the landlord's response.

You can also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) if you believe your rights have been violated. Visit the HUD Fair Housing Complaint Portal.

Virginia Tribunal Handling Tenancy Disputes

The Virginia Real Estate Board, under the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), administers the Virginia Fair Housing Office that handles residential tenancy and fair housing complaints.

What If My Accommodation Request Is Denied?

If your landlord refuses or fails to respond to your accommodation request:

• Review the reason for denial—landlords must provide a valid, non-discriminatory reason (such as structural infeasibility)
• Reach out to the Virginia Fair Housing Office or HUD for help
• File a formal complaint with supporting documentation

Most disputes can be settled through mediation, but formal charges can be filed if discrimination occurs.

Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act—Your Main Protection

The Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA) is the primary law governing landlord and tenant relationships in Virginia, including accessibility and disability accommodations.^[2]

1. Can my landlord charge me extra for an accessible parking spot in Virginia?
   No. Providing a reasonable accommodation (such as an accessible parking spot) cannot include extra fees, as long as the request is reasonable and does not create an undue burden for the landlord.
2. Do I need a disability parking placard from the DMV to qualify?
   While having a disability placard or license plate helps demonstrate your need, accommodations can be requested based on certified medical need, even if you do not have a state-issued placard.
3. What should I do if my request is ignored?
   If your landlord fails to respond in a reasonable time, follow up in writing and then file a complaint with the Virginia Fair Housing Office.
4. Can my landlord assign me a disabled spot even if someone else already has it?
   Landlords must work to provide an alternative accessible spot, or create one if possible. They are not required to displace another disabled tenant's assigned space.
5. What documentation should I provide with my request?
   You may be asked for a doctor's note or verification of your disability (but not details about your diagnosis). It's best to include this with your initial request if possible.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Virginia Fair Housing Office – Guidance and complaint filing
• Virginia Housing – Renter support and accommodation resources
• HUD Office of Fair Housing – Federal-level complaint support
• State local legal aid: Visit Virginia Legal Aid for renter legal help

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1. See the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s summary of reasonable accommodations in housing.
2. Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act – Title 55.1, Chapter 12

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