THE ACCOMMODATION CONVERSATION

Requests for reasonable accommodations and modifications can present some of the most challenging situations housing professionals face. Determining when a request is disability-related, what information may be requested, how to evaluate reasonableness, and when an exception to policy may be required often leaves staff uncertain about the correct course of action.

This practical and interactive session provides a comprehensive review of reasonable accommodation and modification requirements under fair housing laws. Participants will explore the differences between accommodations and modifications, understand the responsibilities of housing providers, and learn how to evaluate requests consistently and fairly.

Through real-world examples and scenario-based discussions, attendees will examine common requests involving assistance animals, live-in aides, parking, communication methods, unit transfers, accessibility features, and exceptions to policies and procedures. The session will also address documentation requirements, verification considerations, denials, and the importance of engaging in the interactive process.

Participants will leave with practical strategies for responding to requests, documenting decisions, and reducing fair housing risk while ensuring equal housing opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THIS TRAINING

Participants will gain a stronger understanding of disability-related requests and the steps necessary to evaluate and respond appropriately.

• Understanding the difference between reasonable accommodations and reasonable modifications
• Identifying when a request may be disability-related
• Recognizing requests that do not have to be made in writing or use specific language
• Understanding the housing provider's obligations under fair housing laws
• Navigating the interactive process
• Evaluating requests for assistance animals
• Reviewing requests involving parking, transfers, communication methods, and policy exceptions
• Understanding live-in aide and accessibility-related requests
• Determining what information may be requested to support a disability-related request
• Evaluating reasonableness and undue financial or administrative burden
• Understanding when requests may be denied and how to document decisions
• Reviewing documentation and recordkeeping best practices
• Applying concepts through practical scenarios and real-world examples

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

This training is designed for, though not limited to, the following participants:

• Property Managers
• Assistant Property Managers
• Compliance Professionals
• Occupancy Specialists
• Leasing Professionals
• Regional Managers
• Compliance Managers
• Resident Services Coordinators
• Maintenance Supervisors
• Housing Administrators
• Owners and Management Agents
• Anyone responsible for responding to resident requests or administering housing programs

WHAT YOU WILL TAKEAWAY

• Instructor: Gary Kirkman, VP of Compliance Training
• Type of Instruction: Virtual Presentation
• Certificate of Attendance: Provided within 7 business days after the training.
• Continuing Education Hours (CE Hours): 2.5 Hours, which can be applied to US Housing Consultants ACE Designations
• Reference Manual Provided: A PDF Reference Manual will be provided 24 hours prior to the training event.