If you live in a rental property, your landlord must be willing to make “reasonable” changes to it's rental policy or your rental housing structure if you need it because of your disability. This is true for private and public housing, with a few exceptions. You need to ask for the changes in writing. Your landlord cannot say "no" unless it would be too expensive, it would require too much of a change to the landlord’s rental program, or if you cannot show that the request is related to your disability.

For more information about reasonable accommodations and modifications, and how to ask for them, read the chapter titled “Rental Agreements and Tenants Rights.”

What do I do if the landlord refuses my request?

There are a few steps to take, but you should get an attorney to help.

You may file a complaint with the Maine Human Rights Commission (MHRC); if you live in subsidized housing you may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or you can sue. If you decide to sue, you must do so within two years of the incident. You should have an attorney represent you. If you are a Maine resident who is 60 or older and you are experiencing discrimination, call the Legal Services for Maine Elders Helpline at 1-800-750-5353 to talk to an attorney for free.

Filing a complaint with the Maine Human Rights Commission

You should file a complaint as soon as possible after the denial, but the complaint must be filed within 300 days of the discriminatory act. The Maine Human Rights Commission will appoint an investigator to your case. The investigator will not represent you or your landlord, but you may have an attorney represent you during the Commission’s investigation. You may file a complaint with the Maine Human Rights Commission by calling, writing, or visiting their office. The Maine Human Rights Commission is located at:

Maine Human Rights Commission
51 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0051
207-624-6290 or TTY: Maine Relay 711

Filing a complaint if you live in subsidized Housing

If you live in subsidized housing, you may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). You should file a complaint as soon as possible after the denial, but the complaint must be filed within one year of the incident. HUD will investigate the complaint at no cost to you. You may file a complaint online if you have access to a computer, or you may call or write the regional office.

If you decide to write, you should include the following information:

• Your name and address;
• The name and address of the person your complaint is against;
• The address or other identification of the housing involved;
• A short description of the alleged violation; and
• The date of the alleged violation.

HUD’s regional office is located at:

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
10 Causeway St., Room 321
Boston, MA 02222-1092
1-617-994-8300 or 1-800-827-5005
TTY: 1-617-565-5453