If a resident or prospect:

 Has a physical or mental disability (including hearing, mobility and visual impairments, chronic alcoholism, chronic mental illness, AIDS, AIDS Related Complex and mental retardation) that substantially limits one or more major life activities,

 Has a record of such a disability, or

 Is regarded as having such a disability.

A landlord may not:

 Refuse to let the resident make reasonable modifications to the dwelling or common-use areas, at the resident’s expense, if necessary for the handicapped person to use the housing. (Where reasonable, the landlord may permit changes only if the resident agrees to restore the property to its original condition when he/she moves.)

 Refuse to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices or services if necessary for the handicapped person to use the housing.

Example: A building with a “no pets” policy must allow a visually impaired resident to keep a guide dog.

Example: An apartment community that offers residents ample, unassigned parking must honor a request from a mobility-impaired resident for a reserved space near his or her apartment if necessary to assure that he/she can have access to the apartment.

However, housing need not be made available to a person who is a direct threat to the health or safety of others or who currently uses illegal drugs.