Under the federal Fair Housing Act and the Arizona Fair Housing Act, an HOA or condominium association must grant a reasonable accommodation (a change to a rule, policy, or practice) or allow a reasonable modification (a physical change) when it’s needed because of a disability. This builds the request letter for you.

Accommodation = a change to a rule or policy. Examples: an assistance/service animal despite a “no pets” rule; a reserved accessible parking space near your unit; a variance from a fence, landscaping, or architectural rule needed for access or medical equipment; extra time or an alternate format for communications. — 42 U.S.C. § 3604(f)(3)(B)

Modification = a physical change to the unit or common area. Examples: a ramp or grab bars; widening a doorway; repairing unsafe stairs so they’re accessible; a visual doorbell. The association must allow the change (who pays depends on whether it’s your unit or common area). — 42 U.S.C. § 3604(f)(3)(A)

Your request

Everything runs in your browser — nothing is saved or sent for you. You do not have to disclose your diagnosis; you only have to show a disability-related need.

What are you asking for?

Accommodation — change a rule or policy

Modification — make a physical change

Your full name

Your email (optional)

Your property address

Your lot / unit number (optional)

Association name

Association / manager address

Association email (optional — to send by email)

Address it to (optional)

Date of this letter

Who has the disability-related need?

The disability-related need (general — no diagnosis needed)

What you’re requesting (one per line)

Offer verification if the need isn’t obvious (you can supply a note from a reliable third party; the association may not demand your diagnosis or medical records)

Ask the association to engage in the interactive process and respond in writing

Add a note that denial or unreasonable delay may violate the Fair Housing Act and can be reported to HUD

This is a template that asserts rights under the Fair Housing Act and Arizona law. It is not legal advice.

If your request is denied or ignored

An association must respond and cannot simply ignore a reasonable-accommodation or -modification request — failing to engage, unreasonable delay, or an unjustified denial can itself violate the Fair Housing Act. If that happens, you can file a housing-discrimination complaint with HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) — there is no fee, and you generally have one year from the act to file. Start at HUD’s online complaint page (HUD Form 903), or file with the Arizona Attorney General’s Civil Rights Division under A.R.S. § 41-1491.19. Keep copies of your request and any response.

More on your rights: the disability & fair-housing guide and the assistance-animal rules.

Reasonable Accommodation & Modification Letter

Your request

If your request is denied or ignored

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