Notice disclosing tenants' rights to reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities
The New York State Human Rights Law requires housing providers to make reasonable accommodations or modifications to a building or living space to meet the needs of people with disabilities. For example, if you have a physical, mental, or medical impairment, you can ask your housing provider to make the common areas of your building accessible, or to change certain policies to meet your needs.
To request a reasonable accommodation, you should contact your property manager.
You will need to inform your housing provider that you have a disability or health problem that interferes with your use of housing, and that your request for accommodation may be necessary to provide you equal access and opportunity to use and enjoy your housing or the amenities and services normally offered by your housing provider. A housing provider may request medical information, when necessary to support that there is a covered disability and that the need for the accommodation is disability related.
If you believe that you have been denied a reasonable accommodation for your disability, or that you were denied housing or retaliated against because you requested a reasonable accommodation, you can file a complaint with the New York State Division of Human Rights as described at the end of this notice.
Reasonable accommodations and modifications
If you have a physical, mental, or medical impairment, you can request permission to change the interior of your housing unit to make it accessible (you are required to pay for these modifications, and in the case of a rental your housing provider may require that you restore the unit to its original condition when you move out); changes to your housing provider's rules, policies, practices, or services; and changes to common areas of the building so you have an equal opportunity to use the building.
The New York State Human Rights Law requires housing providers to pay for reasonable modifications to common use areas.
Examples may include: a ramp or other reasonable means to permit entry and exit if you have a mobility impairment; permission to have an assistance animal if your healthcare provider documents that it assists with your disability, despite a "no pet" rule; permission to install grab bars at your own expense (with reinforced walls in buildings constructed for first occupancy after March 13, 1991 paid by the provider); a parking space close to your unit when required by your impairment; and notices in an alternative format such as large print or electronically if you have a visual impairment.
Required accessibility standards
All buildings constructed for use after March 13, 1991, are required to meet accessibility standards for public and common areas, door widths for wheelchair passage, and accessible passageways, fixtures, outlets, thermostats, bathrooms, and kitchens in multi-family buildings.
If you believe that your building does not meet the required accessibility standards, you can file a complaint with the New York State Division of Human Rights.
How to file a complaint
A complaint must be filed with the Division within one year of the alleged discriminatory act or in court within three years of the alleged discriminatory act.
More information is available at http://www.dhr.ny.gov or by calling 1-888-392-3644. Complaint forms can be obtained on the website or by contacting a Division regional office.
This notice describes rights under the New York State Human Rights Law. Local laws may provide additional protections.