Over on the ApartmentAssoc Yahoo Group an owner asks who is responsible for the costs associated with “Reasonable Modifications”, in this case a ramp.
An owner must allow the ramp as a reasonable modification. The tenant must pay the costs associated with the modification.
JOINT STATEMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE REASONABLE MODIFICATIONS UNDER THE FAIR HOUSING ACT
Who is responsible for the expense of making a reasonable modification?
The Fair Housing Act provides that while the housing provider must permit the modification, the tenant is responsible for paying the cost of the modification.
www.hud.gov/offices/fheo/disabilities/reasonable_modifications_mar08.pdf
With this said, there are groups that provide assistance of grants in some cases to facilitate such modifications. One place to start is:
http://county.milwaukee.gov/DSD/Disability-Resource-Center.htm
You may find that the modification creates a long term tenancy as well as a marketable benefit for future tenants.
Note that for “Reasonable Accommodations” the owner must bear the costs if those costs are reasonable.
What is the difference between a Reasonable Modification and a Reasonable Accommodation?
A reasonable modification is a physical change to the interior or exterior of a unit or property, such as installing a ramp. A reasonable accommodation is a change to your policies; such as allowing a service animal in a property with a no pet policy.
