Fair Housing and Reasonable Accommodation

People with disabilities have the right to request changes that help them access BCHA programs and services. This is called a reasonable accommodation.

An accommodation is a change in rules, policies, or services. It could help a person with a disability:

• Apply for housing assistance
• Use and enjoy their home, including common spaces
• Take part in BCHA meetings and programs

To qualify, the request must be connected to the person’s disability and must be necessary for equal access.

An accommodation is considered reasonable if it:

• Does not create an unreasonable cost or burden for BCHA
• Does not change the main purpose of BCHA’s programs
• Does not pose a safety risk to others

BCHA also considers requests for reasonable modifications, which are physical changes to homes or common areas. In some cases, tenants may share in the cost of modifications.

The Request Process

1. Submit a Request Packet – This includes a request form, third-party verification, and staff input. A staff contact will help submit it before the Committee meeting.
2. Committee Review
   BCHA’s Reasonable Accommodation Committee (staff from programs, property management, maintenance, and resident services) meets once a month to review requests (view the Committee’s schedule). They may ask for more information from staff or the requester. The Committee’s guiding document is its Policies and Procedures.
3. Decision
   Within 10 business days, the Committee sends a letter with the decision. Staff also receive a copy.
4. Next Steps
   If approved, the requester works with staff to carry out the change.
5. Appeals
   If denied, the requester can:
   1. Submit more information for reconsideration, or
   2. Ask for an informal review with the Section 504/ADA Coordinator within 10 days.

For questions about Fair Housing or Reasonable Accommodation, contact:

Boulder County Housing Department
Call: 303-441-3929 (Press 1 for English, or 0 to leave a message)
Email: housing@bouldercounty.gov