Behind The Real Estate Curtain

According to Virginia state law 36-96.3 it shall be unlawful to, based on the protected classes:   Refuse to sell or rent after receiving a bona fide offer or to refuse to negotiate for the sale or rental of, or otherwise make unavailable or deny, a dwelling to any person. Discriminate against any person in the terms, conditions, or privileges of sale or rental of a dwelling, or in the provision of services or facilities in the connection with the dwelling. To make or cause to be made, printed, or published, any notice, statement, or advertisement, with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference or intention to make a preference, limitation, or discrimination.  To represent to any person that any dwelling is not available for inspection, sale, or rental when such dwelling is in fact so available. To include in any transfer, sale, rental, or lease of housing, any restrictive covenant that discriminates because of the protected classes or for any pe

So, you have found the perfect rental property that you just love.  But, you need accommodations because of your disability that will allow you to enjoy the property.  What is the definition of “reasonable accommodations”?  Virginia state law 36-96.3:2 outlines what is reasonable and what isn’t. According to Virginia law, your request is reasonable if: An accommodation is necessary to afford you an equal opportunity to use and enjoy the dwelling The accommodation does not impose an undue financial and administrative burden on the person receiving the request.  The accommodation does not impose a fundamental alteration to the nature of the operations of the person receiving the request If you can answer yes to each of the above, the request for the accommodation, according to the Virginia state law, is reasonable and shall be granted. If the answer is “no” to any of the three statements above, The person receiving the request shall offer to engage in a good-faith