FAQ

Q: Is a tenant allowed to make modifications to their rental apartments?
A: The federal law Fair Housing Amendments Act (FHAA) mandates that landlords must allow tenants with impairments to make “reasonable” modifications in both common use areas and in private apartments. Residents of New York City are also covered under NYC’s Human Rights Law, one of the most comprehensive in the country. NYC’s Human Rights Law requires the landlord to provide and pay for “reasonable accommodations” (next question), which can include structural changes.
What is deemed “reasonable” will vary from situation to situation. The law takes into account the nature and cost of the accommodation and the financial resources of the landlord. “Under the NYC Human Rights Law, a landlord must accommodate the needs of a person with a disability, including paying for structural changes, if the accommodation is deemed reasonable”. “Reasonable Accommodations” can also involve changes in policy or rules, such as permitting a tenant who is blind to have a guide dog even though the building has a “no pet” policy.

Q: What are the best locations for installing grab bars in the bathtub area?
A: The placement of wall-mounted grab bars depend on many factors: bathtub placement, wall structure, plumbing layout, user’s physical characteristics, method of bathing (full emersion or shower). Please see our write-up on General Guidelines for Grab Bar Locations for more information.

Q: What types of home modification and adaptive equipment does Medicare pay for?
A: Unfortunately, Medicare pays for only “durable medical equipment” that is considered “medically necessary”. For example, Medicare does not pay for grab bars or bath seats as these are considered “convenience items”. Examples of covered items are wheelchairs, walkers, and hospital beds. To learn more about what Medicare does and doesn’t pay for, please go to our write-up Medicare coverage.

Q: What safety hazards should I look for when conducting a home safety evaluation?
A: Please refer to the fall safety assessment on our website from the Center for Disease Control.