Proposal Presented for the Master Plan For Aging (#116)
Disclaimer
Throughout the MPA process, more than 100 proposals were developed thanks in particular to thousands of hours of work by external stakeholders and members of the public. These proposals and the MPA Council commentary are being submitted to the Governor and shared with policymakers and the public to inform policymaking. These proposals represent a starting point for discussion. Further discussion is necessary between relevant state agencies and stakeholders to both refine these proposals and assess which may be appropriate to adopt and implement.
Summary
Develop a standard set of resources to educate landlords on their responsibilities and obligations regarding modifications for accessibility. Work with landlord organizations to ensure that their members are aware of those responsibilities and obligations.
Justification
Many landlords across New York State do not have a complete understanding of their legal obligations and responsibilities to provide home modifications for accessibility. They may not know the average cost of a modification such as the installation of grab bars in a shower, or a wheelchair ramp, often resulting in a denial of tenant accessibility requests. Fair housing organizations report that a letter that details the landlords’ obligations and the steps they should take around retrofitting or adding modifications is often sufficient to get landlords to address these issues.
Full Proposal
Develop a standard set of materials to be distributed to landlord organizations, alongside a recorded webinar covering the following topics:
- Landlord legal responsibilities for accessibility home modifications.
- Education about reasonable accommodation versus reasonable modification.
- Understanding costs of retrofitting, such as putting in shower grab bars, wheelchair lifts or wheelchair ramps.
MPA Council Commentary
This proposal is categorized as near-term. Program staff from the MPA team and HCR could work with not-for-profit organizations to identify those obligations and responsibilities that are most frequently the subject of advocacy on behalf of tenants with accessibility needs. There may be a fiscal need attached to the production of training materials for distribution in partnership with landlord organizations, which would be evaluated in the context of the annual budget process and subject to the availability of resources.