Reasonable Accommodation Policy

PEP Housing is committed to ensuring that its policies and procedures are in compliance with the provisions of all Federal and State laws designed to prohibit discrimination in housing on the basis of all protected classifications including race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, familial status, age, handicap/disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, ancestry, source of income, genetic information or other arbitrary characteristics. In addition, PEP Housing adheres to applicable laws and regulations regarding accessibility for the disabled.

PEP Housing will grant all reasonable requests for accommodations or modifications from disabled applicants and disabled residents as required by applicable laws. Generally speaking, an “‘accommodation’ is a change, exception, or adjustment to a rule, policy, practice, or service that may be necessary for a person with a disability to have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling, including public and common spaces.”1 Modifications generally are defined as structural changes “to an existing premises occupied or to be occupied by a person with a disability if such modifications may be necessary to afford such person full enjoyment of the premises.”2

Whether the request is reasonable will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis consistent with applicable laws. A request generally is not considered reasonable if it poses an undue financial and administrative burden or if granting the request would fundamentally alter the nature of PEP Housing or a particular property’s operations. Requests may also be denied if the request was not made by or on behalf of a person with a disability or if there is no disability-related need for the requested accommodation or modification. If we determine a request is not reasonable, we will engage in in an interactive process with you during which we will discuss, among other things, possible alternative accommodations or modifications that would effectively meet the disability-related needs without a fundamental alteration to operations and without imposing an undue financial and administrative burden. It is very important that we all participate in such discussions in good faith so that we can ensure that all individuals have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy the premises despite their disability.

An applicant or resident (or another person acting on behalf of the individual needing accommodation) may request reasonable accommodation or modification at any time–from the point of expressing interest in housing through the duration of tenancy. Although a specific form or format is not required to make a request, PEP Housing highly encourages individuals to use the attached form to make a request for an accommodation or modification so that we can ensure we understand the request (please see Request for Reasonable Accommodation). If you require any assistance whatsoever in completing this form, just let PEP Housing staff know, and we will be happy to assist you. If this form is not completed, PEP Housing will process your request to the extent possible. Regardless of whether the Request Form is completed by you, as part of the request process, PEP Housing may request written verification that:

● the person making the request is disabled as defined by applicable law (if the disability is not obvious);

● describes the needed accommodation or modification; and

● shows the relationship between the person’s disability and the need for the requested accommodation (if the relationship or nexus is not obvious).

Acceptable verification must come from a reliable third party that is able to know about the disability, which may include a doctor or other medical professional, a social service agency, counselor, case manager, social worker or similarly situated third party. PEP Housing may contact the party providing the verification to seek only the information that is necessary to process the request including, but not limited to, verifying the information provided and discussing potential alternative accommodations or modifications which may also meet the need of the individual.

1 Joint Statement of the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Justice, Reasonable Accommodation Under the Fair Housing Act (Washington, D.C., May 17, 2004).

2 Joint Statement of the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Justice, Reasonable

Modifications Under the Fair Housing Act (Washington D.C., March 5, 2008).

As with the form/format and/or way a request is made by the applicant or resident, a specific form is not needed in the execution of the third-party verification; however, certain specific information may be required. As a result, a template has been provided with this packet for use in obtaining any required verifications (please see Reasonable Accommodation Verification Form).

Please know that PEP Housing will make every effort to accommodate requests in a discreet and expedient manner. An initial response to requests for accommodations or modifications will be provided within 10 days of submission; however, a longer time may be required depending on the circumstances such as if bids are required for specific modifications or we are unable to obtain verifications if required.

All accommodation requests and modification requests require approval by a Regional Manager or above. No request can be denied without review and approval by the Regional 504 Coordinator.