Do Landlords Have To Accommodate Disabled Tenants Under Indian Law?

In India, landlords are required to provide reasonable accommodation for disabled tenants under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. This law ensures that individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against in housing and are given equal opportunities to access rental properties with necessary adjustments to meet their needs.

Landlord’s Obligations Under Indian Law

Non-Discrimination and Accessibility

According to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, landlords are prohibited from discriminating against tenants based on disability. This includes making reasonable accommodations in the rental property to ensure that disabled tenants can access and live in the property just like any other tenant.

Reasonable Adjustments

Landlords may be required to make reasonable adjustments to the rental property for tenants with disabilities. For example, if a tenant has mobility impairments, the landlord might need to ensure the building is wheelchair accessible or install handrails, ramps, or widened doorways. These adjustments are not meant to be extensive renovations but rather modifications that are practical and reasonable within the scope of the property’s current design.

Barriers to Renting

It is illegal for a landlord to refuse to rent to a person solely on the grounds of their disability. Disabled tenants should not be denied access to housing or face higher rents because of their disability.

Tenant’s Right to Access and Modify

Tenants with disabilities have the right to request modifications that improve their living conditions. For instance, a tenant may request additional lighting, changes to flooring for better accessibility, or modifications to kitchen/bathroom layouts. If such modifications do not cause undue financial burden on the landlord, they should be accommodated.

Legal Protections for Disabled Tenants

Right to Equal Treatment

The law ensures that disabled persons are treated equally in housing matters. This includes protections against eviction due to disability and the requirement for landlords to provide the same quality of living space and amenities to disabled tenants as they would to any other tenant.

Complaint Process and Enforcement

If a landlord fails to accommodate a disabled tenant’s needs, the tenant can file a complaint with the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities or other designated authorities. The tenant can also approach the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for further legal recourse if their rights are violated.

Example

If a disabled tenant requests reasonable accommodations such as the installation of a ramp or wider doors in a rental property for wheelchair access, the landlord should:

• Review the tenant’s request and assess whether the modifications are feasible and reasonable given the property’s current condition.
• If the requested modifications do not cause an undue financial burden or structural limitations, the landlord is required to make these accommodations.
• If the landlord refuses to accommodate the request, the tenant should first seek a discussion with the landlord to understand their concerns and provide additional information if necessary.
• If the landlord continues to refuse reasonable accommodations, the tenant can file a complaint with the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities or seek legal advice for further action.

Conclusion

Under Indian law, landlords must accommodate disabled tenants by ensuring that rental properties are accessible and meet the necessary adjustments required by the tenant's disability. Discrimination against disabled individuals in housing is prohibited, and landlords are obligated to ensure equal treatment and provide necessary modifications for the well-being of tenants with disabilities.