Every year in April, we take time to celebrate the landmark passage of the 1968 Fair Housing Act, prohibiting discrimination in the renting, selling and financing of housing. Fair housing ensures that everyone has equal access to housing without discrimination. The Cambridge Fair Housing Ordinance prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, disability, age, sexual orientation, relationship status, family structure, gender identity, marital status, military status, and source of income.
In celebration of National Fair Housing Month, we are sharing a series of blog posts highlighting common fair housing issues. This week, we’re focusing on a tenant’s right to request reasonable accommodations and modifications.
A person with a disability may request reasonable accommodation or modification to their housing. The Cambridge Fair Housing Ordinance defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities.
What is a reasonable accommodation?
A reasonable accommodation is a change to a rule, policy, or practice that allows a person with a disability to have equal use and enjoyment of their housing. Examples include:
• Assigning a closer parking space to a resident with a mobility disability.
• Making an exception to a no animals policy to allow an individual to have a service dog or emotional support animal.
• Assisting an applicant with a cognitive disability with completing paperwork.
• Relocating a trash storage area to a room that is on a ground floor so that it is accessible without using stairs.
What is a reasonable modification?
A reasonable modification is a physical or structural change to a unit or building that improves accessibility. Examples include:
• Installing a visual fire alarm for a tenant who is deaf.
• Ramping a step at an entrance for a wheelchair user.
• Adjusting the door pressure to make opening the door easier for someone with limited arm strength.
• Installing grab bars in a shower and by a toilet for a tenant who has a high fall risk.
A tenant may request a reasonable accommodation or modification from their housing provider at any time during their tenancy. A tenant should be prepared to present information explaining how the requested change is related to their disability and why it’s necessary to enjoy their housing. A housing provider may not ask for sensitive medical information or access to patient records.
Need help?
The Cambridge Human Rights Commission (CHRC) investigates discrimination complaints, assists with mediation, and collaborates with local community organizations to inform Cambridge residents of their fair housing rights. If you’d like to file a discrimination complaint with CHRC, you may visit our office at 689 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge, call us at 617-349-4396, or fill out an online intake form at https://www.cambridgema.gov/Departments/humanrightscommission/discriminationintakeform.
JOIN US: Community Celebration and Resource Fair
If you’d like to learn more about your housing rights and connect with local resources, please join us on May 9, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the King Open School in Cambridge for a community event featuring City departments and local organizations offering information on housing, tenant protections, and available services. This event is free and open to all, with food, family-friendly activities, and entertainment provided.