Renting With a Disability:
Your Rights and Protections
Finding a home that meets your needs is essential to feeling comfortable, safe and supported. For renters with disabilities, federal and state laws provide strong protections to ensure equal access to housing and the ability to fully use and enjoy the home you choose.
Your Right to Fair, Equal Treatment
Virginia’s Fair Housing Law and the federal Fair Housing Act protect renters with disabilities from discrimination. A landlord cannot treat you differently, refuse to rent to you or create barriers that limit your use of the property because of a disability.
These protections apply during every step of the rental process: advertising, applications, screening, lease signing, move‑in and the entire duration of your tenancy.
Service Animals: Not Pets, No Fees Allowed
If you or a household member has a disability that requires a service animal, the landlord is required to allow it, even if the property has a strict “no pets” policy. Landlords cannot charge pet fees or pet deposits for a service animal.
Renters are responsible for any damages the animal causes and must follow local safety laws, including leash rules, vaccination requirements and waste cleanup expectations.
Reasonable Accommodations: Adjusting Rules for Accessibility
A reasonable accommodation is a change to a landlord’s rules or policies that allow a renter with a disability equal access to housing.
Examples include:
- Permitting a live‑in aide
- Assigning an accessible parking space
- Allowing rent payments or communication in alternate formats
Landlords are required to grant reasonable accommodation requests when they are necessary for the renter’s full use of the unit and do not impose an undue burden.
Reasonable Modifications: Physical Changes to Improve Access
A reasonable modification is a structural change to the rental unit that allows the renter to live safely and comfortably. Examples include installing grab bars, widening a doorway or adding a ramp.
Keep in mind:
- Tenants are responsible for the cost of modifications.
- Landlords must allow modifications that are reasonable and necessary.
- Tenants may be required to restore the property to its original condition when they move out.
Virginia Housing offers Rental Unit Accessibility Modification Grants to eligible renters to help reduce costs.
GOOD TO KNOW
Looking for a home that already meets your accessibility needs can be more affordable than modifying a space later. Tools like VirginiaHousingSearch.com ↗ lists units with features such as wider doors, grab bars or ramped entrances.
Learn more about renter protections by
signing up for our free renter education course!