Question: A resident (1st floor) is requesting a ramp be built, so her grandson who is in a electric wheelchair be able to visit her

 

I am not sure this would apply. Ask your 504 coordinator to be sure.

They have portable ones that you can find on Amazon. Not very expensive. Google portable handicap ramps

You can buy online- aluminum ones if the grade isn’t too steep. You can grant the reasonable accommodation but you don’t have to pay for it.

Rar are for handicap residents not handicap guests.

Now, I thought reasonable accommodations were for residents only. You may need to check with your manager on this one.

They may have to pay for it and the company can install it.

Not sure this would be your responsibility to pay for, check with your regional and maybe lawyer

In this case the reasonable accommodation would likely be allowing them to install it as opposed to paying for it
That’s my guess

For example if you said “nope you can’t install a ramp” that’s the problematic issue IMHO (not a lawyer)

I would think it is not your responsibility because it is not for the resident.

Since the grandson is not a resident you don’t have to allow it. With that being said you can allow it but I wouldn’t pay for it. I agree with the above poster about a portable aluminum one. Would be much easier and cheaper for the resident.

That's a significant modification, I think the resident needs to pay for it and then pay for its removal when they vacate.

Nope. Nope. Nope. Reasonable accmodations are not for friends and family.

Have you checked into a portable ramp That could be put out just with her grandson is coming to visit

I’d say check with your team but because she’s the resident and not handicapped and he’s not on the lease, you wouldn’t need to provide anything.

Likely she’d need to pay and provide the ramp herself.

Think of it as if she was asking for an additional key for a roommate not on the lease, you wouldn’t do it.

 Be careful phrasing it too. If you tell her that he would need to be on the lease, her next logical thought would be to add him.

Well depending on some other circumstances though, if he’s there consecutively for two weeks or longer - we would have to add him. At least with our management company.

I would allow it at the expense of your resident for both installation and removal.

I believe reasonable accommodation applies to the resident. Not their guest. You don't have to install a permanent ramp. They make ramps that are secured but can be removed without damage. The resident would have to pay cost ... After company approval

That’s a modification. You can’t say no but you don’t have to pay for it. And she would have to put it back to the way it was when she leaves.

This does not fall under reasonable accommodation guidelines, but rather reasonable modification guidelines. HUD makes it clear that the resident pays the cost of reasonable modifications. Because it's not for the resident but for their guest, it may be possible to deny it (talk to an attorney first), but if you treat it like a reasonable modification (which I would, were it me), then the resident will have to cover the expense of installation and removal. And if it allows your resident to enjoy their time more and doesn't cost you anything, then it seems like an easy decision.

Buy a portable ramp!! Easy fix!

It is considered a reasonable modification the landlord doesn't have to approve the modification at the landlord's expense, the landlord can approve this reasonable modification at the "tenants" expense!

Ask your attorney, your Regional, AND the owner! This is not a manager’s call. Even as an AVP, I’d not make a decision that alters the exterior of the property in any way without feedback/advice from all three authorities. Seek guidance from your RM and attorney and then present to the owner. By then you’ll have your answer.