Requesting a reasonable accommodation when using SSDI or SSI funds to pay rent
The Fair Housing Act protects resident’s rights to ask for a reasonable accommodation (RA) for an exception to rules and policies in order to accommodate a disability. You have a right to ask for your rent due date to be extended due to the extra time necessary for your Disability income to become available without being charged late fees and without being given a “Pay or Quit” notice. For example:
Joe’s rent is due on the 1st of the month. His SSDI income doesn’t get released until the 3rd of the month. His property management charges a $10 late fee for those who pay later than the 1st. However, Joe can request a RA to pay his rent on the 3rd in accordance with his SSDI payment.
The landlord may ask for verification, such as an award letter from the Department of Social Security, but should not ask you to go into specific details about your disability.
Request for a Reasonable Accommodation
To:
Address:
From:
Address:
Phone:
Property Address:
The following member of my household has a disability: _________________________
This household member receives Social Security Disability (SSDI) payments due to their disability.
I am requesting the following change or changes be made and/or allowed so that the aforementioned person may have equal opportunity to use and enjoy this dwelling and common areas available to all tenants, as afforded by the Federal Fair Housing Act, Title 42 §3604, Subsections 3a and/or 3b.
Because the SSDI payments are received on the ___ day of each month, I ask that the rent payment date be moved to that date each month, and that late fees related to failure to pay rent on the 1st day of the month not be charged. I ask that any prior fees related to failure to pay by the 1st day of the month be refunded to my household.
An award document or Social Security statement showing that my household receives SSDI payments is attached to this request. Please respond to my request, in writing, within ten working days.
Signature: _________________________ Date: ____________________
If your request is ignored or denied, HOME may be able to assist. Contact us using the form below to tell us about your experience.