DFW Rent Houses is committed to providing equal housing opportunities to all residents. If you are living with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation or modification to fully enjoy your home, we’re here to help. This page outlines how tenants in Arlington, TX, and surrounding areas can request an accommodation in a fair, respectful, and confidential manner.
We follow all applicable state and federal housing laws, including the Fair Housing Act, and we take our responsibility seriously when it comes to ensuring that your housing is accessible and inclusive.
What Is a Reasonable Accommodation?
A reasonable accommodation is a change or exception to our policies, rules, services, or procedures that is necessary for a person with a disability to have equal access to and enjoyment of their rental home.
Examples of reasonable accommodations include:
- Allowing an assistance animal, even in a no-pet property
- Providing a reserved accessible parking space
- Adjusting the rent due date to align with disability-related income schedules
- Granting permission for a live-in aide
- Modifying communication methods for tenants with hearing or vision impairments
Accommodations are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. We are legally required to grant requests that are reasonable and do not place an undue financial or administrative burden on the housing provider.
What Is a Reasonable Modification?
A reasonable modification refers to a physical change made to the rental property to allow a person with a disability full use and enjoyment of the premises.
Examples of modifications may include:
- Installing grab bars in a bathroom
- Widening doorways to accommodate a wheelchair
- Lowering cabinets or countertops
- Adding a wheelchair ramp to the front entrance
In most cases, tenants are responsible for the cost of installing modifications, though DFW Rent Houses will never deny a reasonable request unless the modification would cause substantial structural or safety concerns.
We may require you to return the property to its original condition upon move-out, depending on the nature of the modification.
Who Qualifies?
To request an accommodation or modification, you must have a disability as defined by the Fair Housing Act. This includes physical or mental impairments that substantially limit one or more major life activities.
You do not need to disclose your diagnosis or detailed medical history. However, in some cases, we may ask for verification from a qualified third party, such as a doctor, therapist, or social worker, confirming that:
- You have a disability, and
- The accommodation or modification is necessary to meet disability-related needs
All documentation is handled confidentially and used only for evaluating your request.
How to Submit a Request
If you believe you need an accommodation or modification, please follow these steps:
Step 1 – Submit a Written Request
Submit your request through the tenant portal, email our office, or deliver a written statement. Include the following:
- Your name and address
- A brief description of the accommodation or modification you are requesting
- Why it is necessary in relation to your disability
- Contact information for your medical provider or other verifier, if applicable
Step 2 – We Review and Respond
Once your request is received, our team will review it promptly—usually within 7–10 business days. If more information is needed, we’ll reach out directly.
We may:
- Request third-party verification (when disability is not obvious)
- Ask for clarification or propose an alternative solution
- Provide written approval or denial based on applicable laws
Step 3 – Implementation
If your request is approved:
- We’ll coordinate with you on timing and access, if applicable
- You may be asked to sign a written agreement
- For modifications, we’ll outline the conditions and expectations
We are committed to working with you to ensure any approved changes are made efficiently and respectfully.
Assistance Animals
Assistance animals—such as service dogs, emotional support animals (ESAs), or therapy animals—are not considered pets under the law. You may request an accommodation to have an assistance animal live with you, even in a no-pet property.
We may ask for:
- A description of the assistance animal
- Verification from a qualified provider explaining the need for the animal
Pet fees or pet rent do not apply to assistance animals, though tenants are responsible for cleaning up after their animals and covering any damage caused.
Our Commitment to Fair Housing
DFW Rent Houses follows all federal, state, and local fair housing laws, including:
- The Fair Housing Act
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Texas Property Code and related accessibility guidelines
We will never retaliate, discriminate, or share your personal information. All accommodation requests are treated with confidentiality, care, and urgency.
Questions or Concerns?
If you’re unsure about your rights, need help submitting a request, or want to speak with someone confidentially about your situation, please contact our office directly. You can also send a secure message through your tenant portal.
We are here to support you in having a safe, comfortable, and accessible home. At DFW Rent Houses, we’re not just here to manage properties—we’re here to serve people. If you need help, just ask.
