Disability Accomodation Request Shenanigans?

[Rachel H.]

Hi everyone, 

I have a tenant in Portland, OR who is requesting I make a "reasonable accommodation" for her disability. She won't specify what the disability is, though she says she can provide documentation from a medical provider, and it is mental health related. The issue is that the carpet has buckled badly and needs to be re-stretched, a job which shouldn't take more than a few hours. She is requesting the carpet stretching not be done until her tenancy ends, which normally I'd be fine with, but I've been told waiting too long to address it could damage the carpet long term (this is a higher end rental). Her claim is that her disability requires that she not move furniture and further that she is uncomfortable with anyone else moving her furniture and her mental health disability requires this accommodation. She claims that to deny her this exception would be unlawful discrimination under the Fair Housing Act. Before I contact a lawyer, I thought to ask the group here what you think. I can probably find someone who can come in and stretch the carpet working around her furniture, so I can try to go that route, but this is the first time I've ever received a letter of this nature and I'm not sure how to respond or whether I need to consult with a lawyer first. At this point, I have just asked that she provide the verification from the medical provider that she said could provide on request. I appreciate any insights or suggestions on how best to proceed. Thanks so much, everyone! 

[Greg M.]

Reasonable accommodation does not extend to allowing safety issues to go unresolved or personal property to be damaged. 

No way I'm leaving a buckled carpet to be tripped on and get sued. Tell her to go out to a movie and have people do the work when she is gone.