Disabilities

A landlord cannot refuse to make a reasonable accommodation in policy, practice, rule and/or service that will allow a person with a disability to fully use a rental unit. This section contains housing rights and advocacy organizations for accessible housing.

The Ability Center of Greater Toledo has provided the following information and advocacy organization links to assist people with disabilities in obtaining affordable, accessible housing.

Housing Rights to Keep in Mind

• It is illegal to discriminate against a person with a disability in terms, conditions, services, or facilities when renting or selling housing units.
• A landlord or agent cannot refuse to make a reasonable accommodation in any policy, practice, rule and/or service that will allow a person with a disability to fully use a unit.
• It is also illegal to refuse a person with a disability the right to make a reasonable modification to the premises at his or her own expense. An example would be installing a ramp or widening doorways.

Housing Advocacy Organizations

In addition to The Ability Center, the following organizations are also working to generate accessible housing:

Concrete Change is an international organization dedicated to making all homes “visitable.” Visitable simply means making one entrance into a house or apartment with no steps. It also ensures that all doorways and halls are at least 32” wide. While this is not full accessibility, it allows people with mobility impairments the freedom to visit friends. You can contact them at: 600 Dancing Fox Road, Decatur, GA 30032 or Concrete Change.

The Disability Rights Action Coalition for Housing (DRACH) is a national network of organizations who work with housing providers to ensure that they follow the independent living and consumer control philosophies in their service provision. You may contact them at (215) 634-2000 or at DRACH

The Toledo Fair Housing Center is dedicated to eliminating housing discrimination and enforcing fair housing laws. You can reach them at (419) 243-6163 or www.toledofhc.org.

Lucas County Metropolitan Housing Authority (LMHA) has several housing options for people with disabilities. You may contact them at (419) 259-9400 or visit them at Lucas County Metropolitan Housing Authority.