37. A prospective tenant who is hearing impaired wishes to install a flashing doorbell in an 8-unit building. The landlord must:
Answer: A
The landlord must allow the tenant to make the modification at their own expense.
A landlord is required to accommodate the needs of a tenant with a disability, such as a hearing impairment, by allowing reasonable modifications to the premises. In this case, permitting the installation of a flashing doorbell ensures that the tenant can effectively communicate and feel safe in their environment.
A) allow the tenant to make the modification at their own expense.
This option is correct because under the Fair Housing Act, landlords must permit tenants with disabilities to make reasonable modifications to their living space, provided the tenant covers the costs. This ensures accessibility for the tenant without imposing financial burdens on the landlord.
B) charge an additional monthly fee for the modification.
This option is incorrect because charging an additional fee for a necessary modification for a tenant with a disability would not comply with fair housing laws. Such fees could be considered discriminatory, as they impose an additional financial barrier to accommodating the tenant's needs.
C) make the modification at the landlord's expense.
This option is also incorrect. While landlords are obligated to allow modifications, they are not required to incur the costs associated with those changes unless they choose to do so voluntarily. The responsibility for the expense typically falls on the tenant seeking the modification.
D) not allow the tenant to make the modification.
This option is incorrect because it directly contradicts the obligations set forth by the Fair Housing Act. Denying the tenant the ability to install a necessary modification that accommodates their disability would be discriminatory and unlawful.
Conclusion
The correct answer is A, as it aligns with legal requirements to accommodate tenants with disabilities. Options B, C, and D fail to recognize the rights of the tenant and the obligations of the landlord under fair housing laws, making them inappropriate choices in this context. Allowing the modification at the tenant's expense is a fair and reasonable solution that supports accessibility.