Washington Landlords and Medical Proof for Disability Accommodations

Understanding your rights as a renter when you need a disability accommodation can be confusing. If you live in Washington State, you might wonder whether your landlord can ask for medical proof when you request changes like a service animal or a wheelchair-accessible parking space. This article breaks down your rights, explains how to respond to requests, and connects you with official Washington resources to protect your home and independence.

When Can a Landlord Ask for Medical Proof?

In Washington, both state and federal laws let renters with disabilities request reasonable accommodations in housing. Landlords have a right to verify your need for this accommodation, but there are limits to what they can ask.

• You are not required to disclose your diagnosis. Instead, landlords can only ask for enough information to confirm that you have a disability and that the requested change is related to your needs.
• Verification may be requested if your disability or need isn't obvious. For example, if your disability is not readily apparent and the accommodation isn't obvious, landlords can request third-party verification, such as a note from a healthcare provider.
• Landlords cannot demand access to your full medical records or invasive details.

See official guidance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Washington State's Human Rights Commission Fair Housing resources for confirmation.

Your Right to Reasonable Accommodation

Washington laws, including the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD), and federal laws like the Fair Housing Act, guarantee reasonable accommodations for renters with disabilities. A "reasonable accommodation" is a change in rules, policies, or services needed for someone with a disability to use and enjoy their home.

• Common accommodations in rental housing include allowing service or support animals, installing accessible parking, or changing rent payment methods.
• Landlords must consider these requests, as long as they do not cause an "undue burden" or require major structural changes.

Providing Verification: What Qualifies?

Acceptable verification can come from many sources, such as a doctor, mental health professional, social worker, or professional who knows about your disability and the need for accommodation.

• The statement should say that you have a disability and need the accommodation; it does not need to specify your diagnosis.
• If your disability and accommodation need are obvious (for example, a wheelchair ramp for a mobility device user), landlords usually should not ask for any proof.

Relevant Official Forms: How to Respond to a Request

Washington does not require a specific "reasonable accommodation request" form, but renters can use or adapt the following official example:

• Reasonable Accommodation Request Sample Letter
  When to use: When you need to request a change due to disability or respond to a landlord's request for verification.
  See the Washington State Human Rights Commission sample reasonable accommodation letter.

For submitting a discrimination complaint regarding reasonable accommodations, use:

• Washington Human Rights Commission Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
  When to use: If you believe your landlord unlawfully denied your request or asked for inappropriate medical details.
  File a fair housing complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission.

What If Your Request Is Denied?

If your landlord refuses a reasonable request or insists on too much medical information, you have the right to file a complaint with the official tribunal handling residential tenancies:

• Washington State Human Rights Commission

Complaints can usually be filed online or by mail. The Commission enforces the Washington Law Against Discrimination and corresponding fair housing rights.

Tip: Always respond to requests for reasonable proof in writing and keep copies for your records. You can use the sample letter from the Human Rights Commission to guide you.

FAQ: Renters' Rights for Disability Accommodations in Washington

1. Can a landlord ask for my diagnosis or full medical records?
   No. Landlords can only ask for information confirming your disability and need for accommodation, not for your diagnosis or private medical details.
2. What if my disability is obvious?
   If your need for accommodation is clear (such as a mobility device user requesting a ramp), landlords should not ask for proof.
3. Do I have to use a specific form to request a disability accommodation?
   No, but it helps to use written communication. The Washington State Human Rights Commission offers a sample letter to guide you.
4. What should I do if my landlord denies my accommodation request?
   You can file a complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission, which investigates housing discrimination.
5. Which law protects renters needing disability accommodations in Washington?
   The Washington Law Against Discrimination and the federal Fair Housing Act both provide this protection.

Key Takeaways for Washington Renters

• Landlords can ask for basic proof but not detailed medical records or diagnoses.
• Use written forms or sample letters for your requests and responses.
• If you feel your rights are violated, file a complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission.

If you remember these points, you can better protect your housing rights as a renter with a disability in Washington.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Washington State Human Rights Commission – Fair Housing: Get official guidance, download complaint forms, and read about disability accommodation rights.
• Washington State Attorney General: Landlord-Tenant: Offers detailed information on renter and landlord responsibilities, including disability accommodations.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: FHEO: Federal fair housing information, including reasonable accommodations and complaint procedures.

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1. Washington State Human Rights Commission – Fair Housing: https://hum.wa.gov/fair-housing
2. Washington Law Against Discrimination (RCW 49.60): https://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=49.60
3. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Reasonable Accommodations in Housing
4. Washington State Human Rights Commission Reasonable Accommodation Sample Letter: Sample Request Letter
5. Washington State Human Rights Commission File a Complaint: https://hum.wa.gov/file-complaint

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