17. A prospective tenant who is hearing impaired is looking at an apartment in an 8-unit building and wishes to install a doorbell that does not ring, but flashes a bright light. The landlord must:
Answer: A
The landlord must allow the tenant to make the modification at their own expense.
A prospective tenant who is hearing impaired has the right to make reasonable modifications to their living space to accommodate their disability. Therefore, the landlord must allow the tenant to install a doorbell that flashes a bright light at their own expense.
A) allow the tenant to make the modification at their own expense.
This option is correct because the Fair Housing Act requires landlords to permit tenants with disabilities to make reasonable modifications to their dwelling, provided that these modifications are made at the tenant's expense.
B) charge an additional monthly fee for the modification.
This option is incorrect as landlords cannot charge additional fees for reasonable modifications that are necessary for tenants with disabilities. The law supports the right of the tenant to make modifications without incurring extra financial burdens.
C) make the modification at the landlord's expense.
This option is incorrect because the landlord is not obligated to pay for modifications made by the tenant. The tenant has the right to make such modifications, but they must do so at their own cost.
D) not allow the tenant to make the modification.
This option is incorrect as it violates the tenant's rights under the Fair Housing Act. Landlords must allow reasonable modifications for tenants with disabilities, and denying such modifications would be discriminatory.
Conclusion
Allowing the tenant to make the modification at their own expense is essential to ensure equal housing opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The other options are not compliant with the Fair Housing Act, which mandates that reasonable modifications must be permitted to accommodate disabled tenants. Thus, Option A is the only valid choice reflecting the legal rights of the prospective tenant.