Page 98 - LIVESTRONG Digital Guidebook

Take these steps if you need to
make changes to your rental home:
 Learn about housing rights for people
with disabilities.
 Think about specific changes that you need.
 Talk with the property owner about changes
that are needed to make the home safer
because of your disability.
 Make a formal request for the changes.
• Providing a reserved parking space
• Providing property rules and documents in
large print
• Allowing a live-in aide
You can ask for changes to rental property due to
a disability. However, you will most likely have to pay
the costs of making the changes. The owner of the
property can also ask you to pay the costs of return-
ing the property to the way it was when you move out.
LEGAL PROTECTIONS
Review your rental lease if you plan to ask for changes.
The lease may already allow you to do some things.
If it does not, check into state and federal fair hous-
ing laws. These laws protect people with disabilities.
Some of the laws apply to housing issues such as the
fair sale, rental or financing of a home. They can also
help people make needed changes to their home.
LIVESTRONG means having a safe and supportive home for your recovery.
See the LIVESTRONG Guidebook Planner and Journal pages:
Just Diagnosed: Support Resources
Read more about living with cancer at LIVESTRONG.org/WeCanHelp
• Prescription Assistance
• Health Care Assistance Programs
• Federal and State Benefit Programs
• Transportation and Other Support Services
98 B : D U R I N G T R E AT M E N T D AY- T O - D AY C O N C E R N S www.LIVESTRONG.org/WeCanHelp
If you meet program requirements, you may be
able to get a deferred, interest-free loan to:
• Buy a home
• Build a home
• Make needed changes to property
• Get assistive technology and services
For more information, contact the U.S. Depart-
ment of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD) at hud.gov or call 800.333.4636.
HUD provides online and printed information
about the Fair Housing Act and other housing laws
(hud.gov/renting).
Also, check with your state’s Medicaid program
to find out if you qualify for financial assistance
(cms.hhs.gov).
HOUSING AND OTHER
ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Assistance programs help those who do not have
the income for basic needs. Housing is a basic need.
Other basic needs include food, health care and util-
ities. If you need help, contact your local human ser-
vices office to find out what is available in your area.
Housing assistance programs usually have very
long waiting lists. Apply for these and other types
of services as early as possible. When you apply,
ask if your health condition will be given priority. If
it is considered to be a priority, there may be a much
shorter waiting period.