How to Handle Tenant Request

[Karen Johnson]

Hello all,

Seeking advice. Tenant has recently asked for grab bars to be installed in the bathroom shower. She’s older and feels it will make her safer. I totally get that. Wondering if and/or how best to accommodate this request. Should we:

-Suggest temporary grab bars that can be attached with suction cups and leave it to her to purchase them? If we purchase these, I’d be worried about liability if they detached and she slipped. 

or 

-Get grab bars professionally installed? if we do this, should we eat the cost or ask her to share in it in some way?

She’s been a good tenant so far and I’m not trying to nickel and dime her. I think if we accommodate her request it may also lead to her staying longer term (she’s really made the place like home and was at her previous place for a long time until a large rent increase forced her out).

I know it’s a fairly simple request but it’s the first we’ve got of its kind so looking for guidance. 

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Karen Johnson:

This is considered a "reasonable accommodation" for a disabled person. You should allow it, but it should be at tenant expense and done by a qualified professional. You should also have a written agreement to spell out what is allowed, who will do it, who pays for it, deadline for completion, and what happens to the improvements after the lease ends.