From: Ron.Rothenberg@hnews.fidonet.org (Ron Rothenberg)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: mess
Date: 13 Apr 92 21:21:15 GMT
Reply-To: Ron.Rothenberg@hnews.fidonet.org
Organization: The Handicap News, Shelton CT (203) 337-1607

Index Number: 21102

[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]

 JN>> I used to find this true, but recently things have been changing.
 JN>> I have had APT. personel pull out a book of regs. telling what
 JN>> they would do  under the law and what they would'nt.

 JN>> I have also found that the "accessible" apt. are almost all one
 JN>> bedroom. That is a problem if you need more room.

Hi John -

There is a publication called the Apartment Guide, or some such,
in Phoenix and Sun Valley.  Check the display ads there and look
for a little universal wheelchair symbol in one of the bottom
corners.  Those with the symbols have accessible apartments -
both 1 and 2 bedroom units.  These are already accessible, and
frequently get rented to non-disabled, since no wheelchair users
are available.

I am a real estate broker, specializing in wheelchair accessible
housing.  We rent many units where the landlord will adapt the
apartments, too.  It pays to go in with a spirit of cooperation,
rather than a chip on your shoulder, even if you are met with
resistance.  If you are truly discriminated agaiust, leave and
file a complaint with HUD and the state Commission Against
Discrimination.  I have HUD complaint forms, if you need.  I've
always found that you get more flies with honey than with
vinegar.

I always try to sell modifications to landlords as
"improvements."   We try to make sure they are done well, and
improve the apartment, and then negotiate with the landlord not
to have to remove them.

=rsr=

When looking for an
accessible apartment:

*    State your needs clearly - use specific terms.  Say: "I need 18
     inches on either side of the toilet," not "I need a big
     bathroom."  Don't be shy when describing why you need a certain
     feature.  Knowing why helps the other person know if the
     apartment fits.  Try to differentiate between "musts" and
     "would-be-nice" features.

*    Be realistic - Few homes are perfect immediately.  Make sure the
     expensive modifications are there -  ramping, hallway size,
     bathroom size - but recognize that doors can be widened and
     light switches adapted cheaply.  Under the new Fair Housing Law
     the landlord must allow you to make your own reasonable
     adaptations.

*    Opportunity knocks - Check with your local housing agencies,
     rehab commission  or independent living center.  Landlords often
     call in search of tenants.  Check display ads in the newspaper
     for the universal wheelchair symbol.  This means that there are
     some accessible apartments in that building.  Look for ads in
     disability-related publications. [CB]

*    Enlist professional help - Call the office managers of several
     real estate agencies and ask for an agent who may have
     experience with wheelchair accessible housing.  Speak to several
     and then choose only one to work with, so there is an incentive
     for that agent to find you a home.

*    Know your rights - If you encounter discrimination, inform the
     landlord of your rights in a helpful way - don't be adversarial
     unless necessary.  The rights and needs of disabled people are
     new to some.  Many landlords don't know a companion or guide dog
     isn't considered a pet, or that you're entitled to make
     reasonable changes to make your apartment more livable.  If you
     don't tell them, they may never know.

*    New Construction = More accessibility (usually) - Most rental
     housing that recently went into service must have some units
     built to accessible or adaptable standards.

*    Need a lift? - If you live in a high-rise building, it's good to
     have more than one elevator so that you don't get stranded if
     one breaks.

*    In case of emergency - Is there an alternate accessible exit?[CB]

*    Change of season - When looking at a home in summer, consider
     the accessibility when there is ice and snow on the ground.

*    How's the neighborhood? - Check out curb-cuts and access to
     stores and transit in the area.

*    Can we park?  Is there HP parking nearby?  Does your vehicle fit
     into the garage.  Some raised-roof vehicles can not fit into
     standard garages.

*    Be kind to your landlord - Though it's the law, it's nice to
     receive a few strokes for being a good, accessible landlord.  If
     there are other vacant accessible units, let people know.  If
     accessible homes were always rented, more would be built.

*    Choose carefully! - Unless you're in a bind, take your time and
     find a home that's right for you.  Don't let initial
     discouragement trap you in a home that will send you looking
     again soon.  If you're happy with the home, consider a long-term
     lease.

*    For an accessible home - call *HomeBase Real Estate* at
     (617) 489-4812.

Ron Rothenberg is a real estate broker in Massachusetts.  He is
the owner of HomeBase Real Estate, a full-service residential
brokerage specializing in specific-needs homes and apartments.
He can be reached at (617) 489-4812 (VOICE) and    (617)
489-3848 (TDD)  or in the ABLED echo, or on the VIBUG BBS.

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