Potential Tenant - Inquiry About Handicap Accessible

[Pamela Gordon]

My husband and I are new to the landlord/renting scene and want to make sure are answering inquiries accurately and also want to make sure the Fair Housing police are not trying to catch us off guard, with random questions.

Here's the story...

The lead came from trulia, even though it is not posted there yet and here is the message we received and not sure how to respond...

"Hi, my family and I are desperately looking for a 3 bedroom home to move into immediately. I'd like to schedule a viewing at your earliest convenience. The condo looks handicap accessible but if like to ask if it is. What a beautiful home! The renovations are gorgeous and it's exactly what we've been looking for."

I tried looking up some of this on my own, but was still a little unclear and don't want to get myself in trouble.

Does handicap accessible meant just the public areas of the unit, or does it apply to inside as well?  
Do I not answer the accessible question yet, and tell them that they can definitely schedule some time to look at it?

Any insight, word of advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Pam

[Janet Behm]

Pam,

The ADA (The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) is a civil rights law. It prohibits discrimination based on disability.

There are various disabilities.

Are you willing to have them, at their expense, build an accessible ramp?

Are you willing to have them, at their expense, install a commode to accommodate their needs?

There are hinges for doors that actually move the door out of the way to add about 2” of extra clearance. I would offer to have hinges replaced, at your cost, for a signed lease. (this may also save you having to replace banged up doors on their move-out).

Installing lever door handles, at your expense, to accommodate.

Best strategy, admit that the home is not currently accessible. “You may come and measure hallways, bathrooms, and doors to determine if the structure, in its current state, will be acceptable.”

This way it will be their decision to pursue a lease.

Do an internet search: americans with disabilities act