Successful Mediation of Reasonable Modification Request in Collaboration with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD)
Long Beach, CA, May 21, 2025: In March 2024, the Fair Housing Foundation (FHF) was contacted by complainant Jane Doe (Ms. Doe) regarding a reasonable modification request. Ms. Doe sought to replace the carpeting in her two-bedroom apartment with hard flooring, as the carpet fibers were aggravating her son’s physical disability symptoms.
The Respondent, Avanath Capital Management, LLC., initially approved the request in March 2024 and provided a projected completion date of mid-May 2024. The property is a HUD recipient and since they receive federal funding, they are responsible for the cost of modifications that are done to the property. However, communication soon ceased, and the landlord stopped responding to both FHF and Ms. Doe. Despite repeated follow-ups, the landlord failed to act, citing staff turnover and making vague promises to “look into it.”
In October 2024, FHF filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) on behalf of Ms. Doe. The case proceeded to mediation, where a settlement was successfully reached. Ms. Doe was awarded monetary relief in compensatory damages. Additionally, the landlord agreed to:
• Complete the flooring modification at their expense,
• Undergo fair housing training, and
• Implement a formal policy for processing reasonable accommodation and/or modification requests.
Tenants and prospective applicants with disabilities have the right to request reasonable accommodations or modifications. Landlords are required to engage in an interactive process regarding such requests. If you need assistance with a reasonable accommodation or modification request, or believe you may have experienced housing discrimination, please contact FHF at (800) 446-FAIR (3247), TTY (800) 855-7100 for Deaf or Hard of Hearing, or by email at [email protected].
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About Fair Housing Foundation:
The Fair Housing Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1964 and is dedicated to eliminating discrimination in housing and promoting equal access to housing choices for everyone. FHF engages in activities including outreach and education, testing and investigation, and counteracting and eliminating discriminatory housing practices in both Los Angeles and Orange Counties. The Fair Housing Foundation is a HUD-Certified Housing Counseling Agency and also offers Rental Counseling. Please contact Fair Housing Foundation at 1-800-446-3247 (TTY: 1-800 855-7100) for more information.