Accessible Parking Rights for Disabled Tenants in Washington

Finding adequate and accessible parking is essential for many renters with disabilities in Washington. If you need parking accommodations due to a mobility impairment or other disability, both federal and state laws give you the right to request reasonable changes from your landlord. This guide explains your rights as a tenant and explains how to request and secure accessible parking at your rental in Washington State.

Your Rights to Accessible Parking in Washington Rentals

Under both the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD), housing providers must make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities when needed for equal enjoyment of their home.^[1]

• Accessible Parking: This may include designating a parking spot close to your unit, installing a ramp or curb cut, or allowing you to park in a staff or guest spot.
• Landlords are required by law to consider and, if reasonable, grant requests for parking accommodations.
• Your landlord cannot charge you extra for the accommodation, though you may be responsible for restoration costs if any physical modifications were made.

How to Request a Parking Accommodation

To get an accessible parking space or another accommodation, the law requires you to make a "reasonable accommodation request." You do not have to use special vocabulary or legal terms, but you should clearly explain what you need and why.

• Requests can be verbal or written, but it is best to keep written records.
• Landlords may ask for documentation of your disability if it is not obvious, but cannot ask for your specific diagnosis.
• A reasonable accommodation letter from your healthcare provider can be helpful.

For a practical example: If you have a mobility impairment and require a parking space closer to your building, you can make a written request to your landlord, supported by a note from your healthcare provider if needed.

Relevant Forms for Washington Renters

• Reasonable Accommodation Request (No Official Number):
  
  • There is no state-mandated form, but the HUD Sample Reasonable Accommodation Request Letter can be used.
  • When and how to use: Provide this letter to your landlord to formally ask for an adjustment to parking or building access due to your disability.
• Washington State Human Rights Commission Complaint Form:
  
  • If your landlord denies your request, you can file a complaint using the Washington Human Rights Commission Online Housing Discrimination Complaint Form.
  • When and how to use: File this form within one year of the denial if you believe your rights were violated.

What If My Landlord Refuses My Parking Request?

If your landlord denies your request, they must explain the reasons in writing. Denying a reasonable accommodation is only allowed if it is not possible, poses an undue financial or administrative burden, or would fundamentally change the nature of the property or service.

You have the right to challenge a denied request. You can contact the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC), which oversees discrimination complaints for tenants throughout Washington.

Washington Residential Tenancy Law and Disability Accommodations

Washington's main residential tenancy law, the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, requires landlords to follow both state and federal fair housing standards.^[2] These laws prohibit discrimination and require reasonable accommodations, including with respect to parking, for tenants with disabilities.

Action Steps for Washington Renters

• Assess your need: Identify what parking accommodation you need based on your disability.
• Make your request: Submit your accommodation request in writing to your landlord. Attach documentation from your doctor if appropriate.
• Wait for landlord response: The landlord should respond promptly; document any delays.
• If denied or ignored: Consider contacting the Washington State Human Rights Commission to file a formal complaint.

Requesting accessible parking in Washington rentals is often straightforward, but delays or misunderstandings can still happen. Understanding your legal rights can help resolve these issues quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord charge me a fee for a reserved accessible parking space?
   No, your landlord may not charge you extra for a reasonable accommodation such as a reserved accessible parking spot.
2. What if my apartment complex has limited parking?
   The landlord must still make reasonable efforts to accommodate your disability, such as reassigning spaces or providing other reasonable solutions, unless it poses an undue hardship.
3. Do I have to disclose my specific medical condition to get an accommodation?
   No, you only need to provide enough information to show you have a disability and need the requested accommodation. Your specific diagnosis does not need to be shared.
4. What should I do if my landlord denies my request?
   You can appeal directly to the landlord, seek assistance from renter advocacy services, or file a complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission.
5. Is there a government office that helps with renters’ accessibility disputes?
   Yes, the Washington State Human Rights Commission handles complaints about housing discrimination and failure to accommodate disabilities.

Key Takeaways for Washington Renters

• Washington renters with disabilities have the right to accessible parking as a reasonable accommodation under state and federal law.
• Keep written records and use official resources to document your requests.
• If denied, support is available from the Washington State Human Rights Commission and other state agencies.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) – Main agency handling rental discrimination and disability accommodation complaints (including parking).
• Washington State Office of the Attorney General – Landlord-Tenant Information – Official information about tenants’ rights in Washington.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Fair Housing Complaint Process

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1. See Fair Housing Act, ADA, and Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD).
2. See Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18).

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