law

reasonable accommodation

A reasonable accommodation is a change in a housing provider's rules, policies, practices, or services that is necessary to give a person with a disability an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling. Examples include allowing an assistance animal in a no-pet building or assigning a closer parking space. Under the Fair Housing Act, providers must grant such requests unless they impose an undue financial or administrative burden.

Exam tip
Accommodation changes a rule or policy; modification changes the physical structure (like a ramp or grab bars). Exams love this pair.
Example
A tenant with a mobility impairment asks the landlord for an assigned parking spot near the entrance, and the landlord grants it as a reasonable accommodation.

Related terms & state variants

Sources

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Last verified: 2026-10-23