HUD Handbook 4350.3 § 2-39
What Are Reasonable Accommodations? (HUD Occupancy Handbook 4350.3 REV-1 CHG-4)
Operative Text
A. A reasonable accommodation is a change, exception, or adjustment to a
program, service, building, dwelling unit, or workplace that will allow a qualified
person with a disability to:
1. Participate fully in a program;
2. Take advantage of a service;
3. Live in a dwelling; or
4. Perform a job.
B. Reasonable accommodations include, for example, those that are necessary for
a person with a disability to use and enjoy a dwelling.
C. To show that a requested accommodation may be necessary, there must be an
identifiable relationship, or nexus, between the requested accommodation and
the individual’s disability.Under HUD Handbook 4350.3 REV-1 CHG-4 § 2-39, a reasonable accommodation is defined as a modification or exception to a rule, policy, practice, service, or physical feature that enables a qualified person with a disability to participate in a housing program, use a service, or live in a dwelling. The provision establishes that such accommodations are recognized as necessary when there is a clear, identifiable connection—called a nexus—between the requested change and the person's disability. This definition sets the foundational standard for what qualifies as a reasonable accommodation in federally assisted housing contexts.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of federally assisted housing covered by HUD Handbook 4350.3 REV-1 CHG-4 § 2-39 generally maintain policies and procedures for evaluating accommodation requests on a case-by-case basis, assessing whether a nexus exists between the requested change and the applicant's or resident's disability. Compliant operators document their review process and apply the reasonable accommodation standard to programs, services, dwelling units, and related policies rather than applying blanket denials. Familiarity with the nexus requirement described in § 2-39 helps operators structure consistent, defensible responses to accommodation requests.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
HUD Handbook 4350.3 REV-1 CHG-4 § 2-39 establishes that tenants and applicants with disabilities have a recognized right to request changes or exceptions that allow them to use and enjoy their housing. To support a request, a person generally demonstrates that there is an identifiable relationship between the accommodation sought and their disability—this is the nexus requirement described in the provision. Tenants who believe a request has been improperly denied may consider raising the issue with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, consulting a tenant-rights organization, or exploring other enforcement paths available under fair housing law.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 25, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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