Final answer:
Landlords have legal obligations under the ADA and fair housing laws to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities. This includes allowing tenants to make necessary modifications, such as installing a wheelchair ramp, at their own expense.
Step-by-step explanation:
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and additional fair housing laws, landlords have certain obligations towards tenants with disabilities. When a tenant requests permission to build a ramp at their own expense for better accessibility due to a wheelchair, the landlord must consider this request seriously. The ADA, alongside fair housing laws, was enacted to prevent discrimination and ensure that people with disabilities receive reasonable accommodations. This includes allowing modifications to the property such as the installation of a ramp for wheelchair access.
In the 1960s, the movement towards civil rights led to laws that required federal buildings to be accessible. This notion was expanded upon in subsequent legislation stating that programs receiving federal funding cannot discriminate on the basis of disability. This concept was further distilled into the principle of reasonable accommodation which encompasses structural changes, policy alterations, and support for individuals with disabilities.
It is crucial for landlords to understand their role in promoting accessibility and inclusion. The ADA and various fair housing laws underline the importance of ensuring that people with disabilities have equal access and opportunity to use and enjoy their living spaces. Therefore, the landlord should work with the tenant to ensure the construction of the ramp is feasible, safe, and compliant with local zoning and building codes.