Reasonable Accommodation Policy

Policy Statement

Lease Springfield is committed to complying with all applicable provisions of the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin. As part of this commitment, Lease Springfield provides reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities to ensure equal access to and enjoyment of our housing facilities.

Definition of Reasonable Accommodation

A reasonable accommodation is a change, exception, or adjustment to a rule, policy, service, or procedure that may be necessary to allow a person with a disability to have equal opportunity to use and enjoy housing. This includes public and common use areas, as well as individual housing units.

Eligibility for Accommodation

A person is eligible for a reasonable accommodation if they have a disability as defined by the Fair Housing Act, which includes:

A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, A record of such an impairment, or Being regarded as having such an impairment. Reasonable accommodations are provided when there is a direct link between the disability and the accommodation requested.

Requesting an Accommodation

Tenants or applicants who require a reasonable accommodation should submit a request in writing to Lease Springfield’s management. The request should:

Describe the accommodation being requested, Provide a brief explanation of why the accommodation is necessary due to the tenant’s or applicant’s disability. We understand that a written request may not always be feasible. In such cases, accommodations can be requested orally, and Lease Springfield staff will assist in documenting the request.

Verification of Disability

In some cases, Lease Springfield may require verification of the disability and the need for the requested accommodation if the disability or the need for the accommodation is not obvious. Verification can be provided by a medical professional or another qualified third party who is familiar with the tenant’s or applicant’s disability and the need for the accommodation.

Processing Accommodation Requests

Lease Springfield will respond to requests for reasonable accommodation within a reasonable time frame, usually no later than 10 business days. We will engage in an interactive process with the tenant or applicant to discuss potential accommodations, alternatives, and any necessary documentation.

Reasonable Modifications

In addition to reasonable accommodations, Lease Springfield allows tenants with disabilities to make reasonable modifications to their units or common areas at their own expense, if necessary for the tenant to fully enjoy their housing. Modifications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and must be pre-approved by Lease Springfield’s management.

Undue Burden and Fundamental Alteration

Lease Springfield is not required to provide an accommodation if it would cause an undue financial or administrative burden or if it would fundamentally alter the nature of Lease Springfield’s operations. In such cases, we will work with the tenant or applicant to explore alternative accommodations that may still meet their needs.

Confidentiality

All information related to a tenant’s or applicant’s disability and their reasonable accommodation request will be kept confidential and will only be shared with staff members who need the information to process the request or to provide the accommodation.

Non-Retaliation

Lease Springfield prohibits retaliation against any tenant, applicant, or household member who exercises their rights under the Fair Housing Act, including requesting a reasonable accommodation.

Contact Information

For questions or to submit a reasonable accommodation request, tenants or applicants may contact us at:

Lease Springfield
Phone: 417-501-5235
Email: customersupport@leasespringfield.net