A reasonable modification is a physical or structural change made to a dwelling unit or common area that is necessary because of a disability.

• Reasonable modifications involve construction or physical changes
• They are different from reasonable accommodations, which change rules or policies

Examples may include:

• Installing grab bars in bathrooms
• Installing ramps or modifying entrances
• Widening doorways for wheelchair access
• Lowering cabinets or countertops
• Installing visual or audible smoke alarms

All modification requests must be related to a disability and necessary for access or use.

If you use a Housing Choice Voucher and rent from a private landlord:

• Requests for reasonable modifications must be made directly to the landlord
• Landlords are required by federal law to allow reasonable modifications
• The participant is generally responsible for the cost of the modification
• Landlords may require work to be completed safely and in compliance with building codes

NRHA administers the voucher program but does not own or control private rental units and does not approve construction or pay for modifications in privately owned housing.

If you live in NRHA-owned Public Housing or Project-Based Voucher (PBV) housing:

• Modification requests should be submitted to your property manager or the 504/ADA Coordinator
• Requests are reviewed under applicable federal accessibility requirements
• NRHA or the property owner may be responsible for providing or paying for approved modifications
• Alternative solutions, such as transfer to an accessible unit, may be considered

Each request is reviewed individually based on the household’s needs, unit availability, and program requirements.

NRHA may request limited verification if the disability or the relationship between the disability and the requested modification is not obvious.

• Medical records or diagnoses are not required
• Verification may be provided by a knowledgeable third party

NRHA may contact you to discuss the request or possible alternatives as part of an interactive process.

Some requests involve changes to rules or procedures rather than physical changes to a unit.

• Reasonable accommodations are changes to rules, policies, practices, or communication methods.
• Reasonable modifications are physical or structural changes to a unit or common area.

If your request does not involve construction or physical changes, you may be looking for a reasonable accommodation instead.

• Learn more about Reasonable Accommodations

If you are still unsure which type of request applies, NRHA staff can help guide you to the correct process.