making a home wheelchair friendly, worth it?

Question

Has anyone ever had any luck renting to people who are disabled? One of my customers told me it's a really good market but I wouldn't even know where to advertise to find a tenant. The kitchen cabinets and vanities are not installed yet so I thought I would look into this.

Thanks

Jason Boulay · Answer

@David Soest Just to clarify, those that are disabled, are not strictly limited to people in wheelchairs.  I'm sure some of my tenants may have a disability, but it's not a factor in the application process.  I would not be aware unless they request a reasonable accommodation or modification in the unit.

Certainly, it may appeal to the smaller renter pool individuals who use a wheelchair, but it may turn off renters that don't require the modifications.  If you rent to a tenant that has a wheelchair and it interfere's with their use of the unit, they can request a reasonable modification to the unit.  The modification would be at the expense of the tenant to afford them use and enjoyment of the unit/premises.  I don't see the value in limiting your renter pool and increasing your expenses for something a tenant can pay for, if necessary.

David Soest · Answer

Good points, thank you both.

Bettina F. · Answer

I would not, based on my experience helping my daughter shop for apartments to rent.   Large apartment communities are required by ADA to have a certain number of ADA compliant units.  These units are often the ones for rent on "move -in specials".  They usually have to sacrifice under sink cabinet space in the kitchen and bathrooms to make them accessible for wheelchair dependent people.  These units are less attractive and less functional for non-disabled people and harder to rent overall.