Direct answer
What does reasonable modification mean?
A reasonable modification is a physical change to housing that may be needed for a person with a disability to use and enjoy it equally.
Exam cue: Separate physical alteration from a change in policy, and consider the rules governing cost and restoration.
What does it look like in a question?
Example
A tenant requests installation of bathroom grab bars because of a disability.
Common exam trap
What should you not confuse it with?
A modification is physical. An accommodation usually changes a policy or service.
Related fair housing terms
Assistance animalAn assistance animal is an animal that works, provides assistance or performs tasks, or provides disability-related emotional support under applicable housing rules.BlockbustingBlockbusting is inducing or attempting to induce a sale or rental by suggesting that protected-class entry or change will cause harmful neighborhood effects.Disparate treatmentDisparate treatment is treating a person differently from others because of a protected characteristic.Fair housing testingFair housing testing is a method of comparing housing experiences using people with matched profiles to identify possible discrimination.Familial statusFamilial status is a protected class under federal and New York law covering households with a child under 18, pregnant persons and people gaining custody of a child.Implicit biasImplicit bias is an attitude or association that affects a person's judgment without the person being aware of it.
Sources used4 references with section locators
The curriculum citation confirms exam scope. Definition and rule citations support the explanation itself.
- Real Estate Salesperson 77-Hour CurriculumNew York State Department of StateSupports: Exam scopeSection: Subject 9, Human Rights and Fair Housing
- A Basic Guide to Fair Housing Under the New York State Human Rights LawNew York State Division of Human RightsSupports: New York ruleSection: Protected characteristics and prohibited housing practices
- Fair Housing Act OverviewU.S. Department of Housing and Urban DevelopmentSupports: Federal ruleSection: Federal Fair Housing Act overview
- Information for Persons with DisabilitiesU.S. Department of Housing and Urban DevelopmentSupports: Federal ruleSection: Reasonable modifications guidance
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Put the term back into its full subject.
A definition helps with recall. The subject guide shows how the rule interacts with documents, scenarios, calculations and practice questions.