ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT & AGREEMENT

Fair Housing & Reasonable Accommodation Policy

1. COMMITMENT TO ACCESSIBILITY

BCGK is committed to providing equal housing opportunities and ensuring full accessibility to [Property Name] located at 127-135 Almond Street (the "Property") for all individuals, regardless of disability status. This property complies with the Fair Housing Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and all applicable state and local accessibility laws.

2. FAIR HOUSING COMPLIANCE

  • Non-Discrimination Policy: The Property does not discriminate in the advertising, rental, lease, financing, or sale of housing on the basis of disability or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local fair housing laws.
  • Protected Classes: Housing decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected classification.
  • Equal Access: All prospective and current residents have equal access to Property information, leasing materials, application processes, and housing accommodations.
  • Communication Access: The Property provides auxiliary aids and services upon request, including sign language interpreters, materials in alternative formats (Braille, large print, audio), and TTY/TDD devices.

3. PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES

The Property includes the following accessibility features:

  • Accessible parking spaces compliant with ADA standards
  • Accessible main entrances with automatic doors and/or level access
  • Elevator service to all residential floors
  • Accessible hallways with appropriate width for wheelchair mobility
  • Accessible restrooms in common areas
  • Accessible fitness center and community facilities (where applicable)
  • Accessible emergency evacuation procedures and equipment
  • Visual and auditory alarm systems in common areas
  • Accessible leasing office with appropriate seating and desk heights
  • Visitor parking accessible to individuals with disabilities
  • Note: For a comprehensive list of accessible features in specific units, please contact the leasing office.

4. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

Definition: A reasonable accommodation is a modification to the Property's rules, policies, practices, or procedures that is necessary for an individual with a disability to have equal access to housing and housing-related services.

Examples of Reasonable Accommodations Include:

  • Waiving "no pets" policy to allow service animals or emotional support animals with proper documentation
  • Allowing mobility devices, walkers, or wheelchairs despite any restrictions on bulky items
  • Assigning ground-floor units when medically necessary due to mobility limitations
  • Modifying parking spaces or assignments for residents with disabilities
  • Allowing modifications to units for accessibility (grab bars, ramps, etc.)
  • Providing written materials in alternative formats (large print, Braille, audio, email)
  • Adjusting lease terms related to breaks, water damage, or maintenance access
  • Permitting assistive animals beyond standard pet policies
  • Flexible payment arrangements for residents facing financial hardship related to disability
  • Allowing additional occupants as caregivers or personal care attendants
  • Waiving or reducing fees related to accessibility modifications
  • Providing accessible parking near entrances or elevators

Request Process:

  1. Contact the Property Management office in writing, by email, or verbally to request a reasonable accommodation
  2. Provide details about the disability-related need (you do not need to disclose your specific diagnosis)
  3. Explain how the requested accommodation would help you have equal access to housing
  4. Provide medical verification if requested (certification of disability from a healthcare provider)
  5. Management will respond within 5 business days with approval, conditional approval, or a request for additional information
  6. If the request is denied, management will provide specific reasons in writing and information about the appeals process

Interactive Process: Management will engage in an interactive process with residents regarding reasonable accommodation requests. This means we will work with you to:

  • Understand the disability-related need
  • Discuss possible accommodations that meet your needs
  • Clarify how the accommodation would alleviate the limitation
  • Determine feasibility and cost implications
  • Implement the agreed-upon accommodation in a timely manner

5. SERVICE ANIMALS AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS

Service Animals: Service animals are dogs (or miniature horses in some cases) individually trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities. Service animals are permitted throughout the Property, including in housing units and common areas, regardless of any pet restrictions.

Emotional Support Animals (ESA): Emotional support animals provide comfort through companionship and are not required to have special training. ESAs may be permitted as a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act and Section 504. To request an ESA accommodation:

  • Submit a written request to the leasing office
  • Provide documentation from a healthcare provider (letter on official letterhead) stating that you have a disability-related need for the animal
  • The letter should establish the nexus between your disability and the disability-related need for the animal
  • Management will verify the legitimacy of the request without inquiring about the specific disability or diagnosis

Assistance Animals Policy:

  • Reasonable accommodation requests for animals must be submitted in writing before moving in or shortly after moving in
  • Service animals and approved ESAs are exempt from pet rent, pet deposits, and pet restrictions
  • The animal owner remains liable for any damage caused by the animal
  • The animal must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others or cause significant property damage
  • Residents must comply with all state and local animal control laws
  • Management may request removal of an animal if it behaves aggressively or poses a safety risk

6. ACCESSIBLE LEASING AND APPLICATION PROCESS

  • Multiple Application Methods: Prospective residents may apply online, in person, by mail, or by phone. All methods are equally accessible.
  • Alternative Formats: Leasing materials, applications, lease agreements, and policies are available in large print, Braille, audio format, or electronic formats upon request at no additional charge.
  • Interpreter Services: Sign language interpreters, oral interpreters, or other communication aids are provided for leasing consultations, lease signings, and property tours at no cost to the resident.
  • Modified Lease Terms: Lease terms may be modified for residents with disabilities where necessary and reasonable (e.g., extended move-out notice, flexible maintenance schedules).
  • Application Evaluation: Lease decisions are made based on legitimate, non-discriminatory criteria and do not account for disability status. History of housing discrimination claims or disability status is not a qualifying factor for lease denial.

7. UNIT MODIFICATIONS AND ACCESSIBILITY UPGRADES

  • Resident Modifications: Residents may request reasonable modifications to their unit for accessibility, including installation of grab bars, ramps, modified door handles, or other alterations necessary to accommodate a disability.
  • Approval Process: Residents must submit modification requests in writing. Management will respond within 5 business days with approval or a discussion of alternative solutions.
  • Cost Allocation: Management will cover reasonable modification costs where required by law. Non-permanent modifications that can be removed without damage may be performed by the resident at no cost to the Property.
  • Restoration: Upon lease termination, the Property may require removal of non-permanent modifications and restoration of the unit to its original condition, unless doing so would cause undue hardship to the resident with a disability.
  • Accessible Units: The Property maintains a list of accessible units designed to accommodate individuals with mobility disabilities, including ground-floor units and units near elevators.

8. ACCESSIBLE COMMUNICATION

  • TTY/TDD Access: A TTY/TDD device is available for deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-disabled residents to communicate with management. Contact information is posted in the leasing office.
  • Email Communication: Residents may request all communication with management be conducted via email for accessibility purposes.
  • Telephone Relay Services: Management will use telephone relay services to communicate with residents using TDD devices or relay services.
  • Language Services: Interpretation and translation services are available for residents who are limited-English proficient, including lease translations and written communications.
  • Written Notice: All important notices, lease violations, lease terminations, and policy changes are provided in writing and are available in alternative formats upon request.
  • Accessible Meetings: Meetings with management regarding accommodations, lease violations, or other matters are conducted in an accessible manner with accommodations provided as needed.

9. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND EVACUATION

  • Accessible Evacuation: The Property maintains accessible emergency evacuation procedures that accommodate individuals with mobility disabilities, visual impairments, hearing impairments, and other disabilities.
  • Visual and Auditory Alarms: Emergency alarm systems include both visual (strobe lights) and auditory (sound) components throughout common areas and designated accessible units.
  • Personal Evacuation Plans: Residents with disabilities may request a personal emergency evacuation plan. Management will work with residents to establish safe evacuation procedures.
  • Communication Plan: Emergency notifications can be received via telephone, email, or text message at resident request.
  • Accessible Exits: All emergency exits are clearly marked and maintained to be accessible to individuals with disabilities.
  • Assistance Animals: Service and assistance animals are permitted in emergency shelters or relocation facilities.

10. COMMON AREA ACCESSIBILITY

The following common areas and their features are designed to be accessible:

  • Leasing office with accessible desk, seating, and conference areas
  • Community room with accessible seating and mobility space
  • Fitness center with accessible equipment and pathways
  • Recreation areas with accessible furnishings and routes
  • Pool and spa areas with accessibility features (where applicable)
  • Mailroom accessible via elevator or ground-floor location
  • Laundry facilities with accessible machines and pathways
  • Outdoor spaces with accessible pathways and seating areas
  • Parking areas with designated accessible spaces near major entrances

11. GRIEVANCE AND COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

Residents and prospective residents who believe they have been discriminated against or denied a reasonable accommodation may file a complaint through the following process:

  1. Informal Resolution: Contact the leasing office or Property Manager to discuss your concern. Many issues can be resolved through direct communication.
  2. Formal Complaint: Submit a written complaint to BCGK within 30 days of the alleged incident. Include:
    • Your name, contact information, and unit number (if applicable)
    • Detailed description of the alleged discrimination or accommodation denial
    • Date(s) of the incident(s)
    • Names of individuals involved
    • Desired resolution or remedy
    • Supporting documentation (emails, letters, etc.)
  3. Investigation: Management will investigate the complaint within 15 business days and provide a written response outlining:
    • Summary of the complaint
    • Findings of the investigation
    • Remedial action(s), if any
    • Appeal rights if dissatisfied with the resolution
  4. Appeals: Dissatisfied complainants may appeal to the Property Owner or corporate office within 10 business days of the management response.

External Complaint Procedures: Complaints may also be filed with:

  • HUD Fair Housing Hotline: 1-800-669-9777 (voice) or 1-877-889-2627 (TTY)
  • State Fair Housing Agency: Contact your state's fair housing enforcement agency
  • ADA Complaint Process: For accessibility-related complaints, contact the U.S. Department of Justice ADA Hotline at 1-800-514-0301
  • Section 504 Compliance: Complaints regarding Section 504 violations can be filed with HUD's Office of General Counsel

12. RETALIATION PROTECTION

  • The Property strictly prohibits retaliation against any person who files a complaint, requests an accommodation, or exercises their fair housing rights.
  • Retaliation includes, but is not limited to: increased rent, lease non-renewal, unfavorable lease terms, increased enforcement of lease violations, or hostile treatment.
  • Any complaint of retaliation will be investigated immediately and appropriate corrective action will be taken.
  • Residents are protected from retaliation even if a complaint is later found to lack merit.

13. ASSISTANCE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

The Property offers the following resources and support:

  • Disability Services Coordinator: A designated staff member is available to assist residents with disabilities and reasonable accommodation requests. Contact the leasing office for the coordinator's name and contact information.
  • Accessibility Resources: Information about local disability services, accessibility resources, and advocacy organizations is available upon request.
  • Flexible Scheduling: Leasing appointments and management meetings can be scheduled at times convenient for residents with disabilities, including evenings and weekends when necessary.
  • In-Home Meetings: Meetings with management may be conducted in a resident's unit if necessary to accommodate a disability.
  • Waived Fees: Application fees, accommodation request fees, and modification fees are waived for residents requesting reasonable accommodations.

14. NOTICE AND ACCESSIBILITY DISCLOSURE

  • This Accessibility Statement is provided to all prospective and current residents upon request and is posted in the leasing office and on the Property website.
  • Prospective residents are informed during the application process that the Property is committed to providing reasonable accommodations.
  • All leases include information about the Property's accessibility features and the process for requesting reasonable accommodations.
  • Annual reminders are provided to current residents regarding the availability of accommodations and how to request them.
  • New residents receive a comprehensive accessibility packet during move-in.

15. POLICY UPDATES AND COMPLIANCE

  • This Accessibility Statement is reviewed annually and updated as needed to reflect changes in law or Property practices.
  • All staff members receive training on fair housing laws, reasonable accommodations, and disability etiquette.
  • The Property conducts regular accessibility audits to identify barriers and plan improvements.
  • Feedback from residents regarding accessibility is solicited and considered for future improvements.
  • Management is committed to exceeding minimum legal requirements and continuously improving accessibility.

16. CONTACT INFORMATION

For questions regarding accessibility or to request reasonable accommodations, contact:

Property Management: BCGK
Address: 127-135 Almond Street
Phone:
Email: [email protected]
TTY/TDD: [Insert TTY/TDD number]
Office Hours: [Insert office hours]

17. ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

By occupying a unit at the Property or submitting a lease application, residents acknowledge that they:

  • Have received and reviewed this Accessibility Statement
  • Understand the Property's commitment to fair housing and accessibility
  • Understand the process for requesting reasonable accommodations
  • Know how to file complaints regarding discrimination or accommodation denials
  • Are entitled to protection from retaliation for exercising fair housing rights
  • Agree that this statement is incorporated into their lease agreement

Last Updated: [Current Date]
Property: [Property Name]
Management Company: BCGK
Contact: | [email protected]

This Accessibility Statement is provided in compliance with the Fair Housing Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and all applicable state and local laws.