Fair Housing: It’s not an option, it’s the law.
RRHA staff is committed to ensuring that our housing (and non-housing) programs are free from discrimination. And are further committed to carrying out necessary practices to operate all of our programs in a fair and impartial manner.
RRHA shall not discriminate because of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, familial status, disability, or elderliness in the leasing, rental, or other disposition of housing or related facilities.
504 Reasonable Accommodations
RRHA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants, residents, and participants with disabilities.
Federal law, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973), is there to protect your rights and to help you identify a reasonable, effective, and appropriate accommodation. RRHA will fully bear the cost of all reasonable accommodations unless doing so would create an undue financial and administrative burden.
Do you have a disability?
A person with a disability refers to an individual who has :
- A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity: caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, or working;
- Has a record of such impairment; or
- Is regarded as having such an impairment.
Questions?
If you need help understanding or filling out the 504 form, or have any questions regarding the rights of persons with disabilities, call:
Calandra Trotter,
504 Coordinator/Compliance Officer
804.780.4276
Fair Housing FAQs
What is a Reasonable Accommodation?
A reasonable accommodation is a change in rules, policies, practices, or services to allow a person with a disability the equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling unit or common space. Examples include service animals, parking spaces, or a transfer to a ground-floor apartment.
Who pays for the cost of a Reasonable Accommodation?
Reasonable accommodations are generally paid by the housing provider.
What is considered “Reasonable”?
A request that does not impose an undue financial or administrative burden to the property or the community.
What is acceptable verification?
Verification may be necessary if the disability is not visible, or if the need for accommodation is not apparent. A knowledgeable professional, social worker, or caseworker can provide verification.
What is a “protected class”?
The term “protected class” is an Anti- Discrimination term that is used in state and federal law. It refers to a group of people who share a common characteristic and need protection from discrimination and harassment.
Under Virginia’s Fair Housing Law, what are the 12 protected classes?
Race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, disability, elderliness, source of funds, sexual orientation, gender identity, and military status.
[Property Managers] Do I have to waive the pet deposit for a resident with a disability who requires the use of a service or emotional support animal?
If you manage an assisted property, be aware that both service animals and emotional support animals are NOT considered pets and are therefore not subject to pet rent, pet deposits, or any fees associated with companion animals (pets).
The property manager may request documentation to support that the service animal or emotional support animal is needed because of the resident’s disability only if the disability or disability-related need for the animal is not obvious.
[Property Managers] On an assisted property, I have already provided a visual door knock indicator for a hearing-impaired resident. He wants a different one that is more expensive. Do I have to provide it?
Since this is an assisted property, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 applied, and it is your responsibility as the housing provider to pay for reasonable modifications made necessary because of a resident’s disability.
However, you need only make accommodations (including physical modifications) that are effective; you are under no obligation to do everything to the exact specifications requested by the resident. As long as the door knock indicator you’ve installed is effective, you’ve met your responsibilities under Section 504.
Filing a Complaint
If an individual feels that they or someone else has been discriminated against by the Authority, a complaint may be filed with:
RRHA
Attn: Compliance Officer
P.O. Box 26887
Richmond, Virginia 23261-6887
info@rrha.com
Local HUD Office
1-888-799-2085
hud.gov
Virginia Fair Housing Office
1-888-551-3247
dpor.virginia.gov/File-Complaint