What is a reasonable modification to common areas?

What is a reasonable modification to common areas?

• A. A physical change to common areas requested by a person with a disability to enable use of the property, typically at the tenant's expense.
• B. A cosmetic paint change by the landlord.
• C. Installing new carpet in all units.
• D. Changing rent structure.

Answer: (A)

A reasonable modification to common areas is a physical change to the property that a person with a disability asks for to enable access or use of the housing. The tenant typically bears the cost of such modification, reflecting the idea that the person needing access funds the change, while the landlord must grant the modification if it’s reasonable and does not impose an undue burden. Examples include installing a ramp at the building entrance, widening a doorway in the lobby, or adding an automatic door opener to improve access. These changes directly address barriers to use, unlike cosmetic updates or broad improvements that don’t relate to accessibility, such as changing paint colors, installing new carpet across all units, or altering the rent structure.

A reasonable modification to common areas is a physical change to the property that a person with a disability asks for to enable access or use of the housing. The tenant typically bears the cost of such modification, reflecting the idea that the person needing access funds the change, while the landlord must grant the modification if it’s reasonable and does not impose an undue burden. Examples include installing a ramp at the building entrance, widening a doorway in the lobby, or adding an automatic door opener to improve access. These changes directly address barriers to use, unlike cosmetic updates or broad improvements that don’t relate to accessibility, such as changing paint colors, installing new carpet across all units, or altering the rent structure.