Tips On How To Effectively Look For Apartment For PWDs

It's never a crime to have a disability and it's definitely not a crime to ask for your right and demand respect as a human being. This is also true when your apartment hunting.
There are times when you'll have a harder time than most individuals when searching for a place to live in but don't let that discourage you. It is your right for a safe, affordable and good place to stay no matter your physical or mental and health conditions are.
Be in the know so you won't be a victim to cruel treatment.

What Types Of Disabilities Are Under Protection

You are legally entitled to protection under the Fair Housing Act (FHA).
Several conditions are under this law which are;

If your condition/s hinder/s major aspects of your life like walking, talking, seeing, hearing, breathing, delivering of manual tasks, caring for yourself, ability to learn and/or working.   
If your condition is not visible but you still have it like Asthma where there is a significant difficulty in breathing that is only made better by medication.
Hearing and mobility impairment which doesn't neccessarily mean you need to be assisted by a device to cope.
Physical and Mental Conditions are included in the protection. These include Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and other learning disabilities.
Addiction to substances like drug and alcohol.

   
Get Familiar With Apartment Hunters' Disability Rights

People with disabilities are entitled to their right based on the Fair Housing Act which prohibits every landlord to make any discrimination to everyone with disability who are applying to be a tenant. This also serves as a guide for landlords on the things they should do for their PWD renters.
You're allowed to submit a written letter or medical certificate from your physician regarding your condition and your landlord should be ready to accomodate you.
If you need a service animal or a guide dog, let your landlord know and again, have a letter from your physician to prove your condition.
You're allowed to make modifications to your rented unit as long as you notify your landlord and you shoulder the costs except when you live in federal housing.
You're entitled to be informed about all the vacant unit in the complex and allow you to choose which one you will be renting.
You're entitled to the same monthly rent and fees as other tenants.
You're allowed for assisted living.
Just because you're being interviewed doesn't mean he can ask you if you can walk or what medicines are prescribed to you. Any questions regarding disabilites are considered illegal.
You're entitled to your privacy and FHA prohibits your landlord to have a chat with other tenants about your condition.
You're allowed to rent a unit regardless of the provisions they have despite your disabilites.
You're allowed to rent anywhere whether or not you're using a wheelchair.

Looking For Accessible Apartments

One of the best ways to find accessible apartments are through the internet. You can also find through word of mouth and classified ads.
Just make sure you inspect the aprtment well enough to ensure you'll be comfortable in your new home.

Illegal Steering

Illegal steering happens when the landlord tries to persuade you to look for other places to live other than his apartment or when he puts you in areas which he believes fit you as a disabled person. This may mean he won't show you the other vacancies in his property.
Be vigilant about this actions because they are discriminatory and it shouldn't be tolerated thus if you experience this, you can file a complaint with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).