As a landlord am I required to have a ramp built for access to a property for a wheelchair user? Does more than 1 access have to be built to accommodate a person with a disability? What about bathroom renovations such as hold on bars in the shower? Who pays for this and pays to have it removed? If it turns out that I would have to take care of these things, do I have the right to say no the renting to this applicant?

Currently I am online and on the phone with ADA to try to get information about this. Typical government delay on the phone I am on hold.

In general, if the person is disabled then, yes, you do need to allow "reasonable accommodations" for them. However, THEY are generally responsible for the costs to do that. So, if you need a ramp built or bars in the bathroom, that would be on them. When they are done, it can either be left if you want it left -- or they can pay to have them be removed again.

There are some exceptions, but that usually relates to commercial property and public access and such (where ramps might be required that YOU have to pay for, for example).

Also, just to make sure, this isn't a 4-unit or less and you live in one of them, right? If so, you might not have to worry about the ADA at all under the Mrs. Murphy exemption. Just to note it.

- John...

John (MI) nailed it.

John is right.

You do not need to install any of it, but you do have to allow it.

It is illegal to deny an applicant because of this.

You don't have to do the work - you DO have to allow for the reasonable accommodation to be completed though.

If you do the ramp yourself, one half the cost of that ramp can be claimed as a tax credit. If you allow your resident to do the upgrade, they might not ever leave - ever.

I had once case where the person needed "reasonable accommodation" modifications to help them navigate life.

The group who pays and installs ramps and bars, approved by the City, sends out "handymen" without insurance. The tenants renters policy won't cover any issues with a ramp or bars to third parties.

As John said, you have to allow it unless you are Fair Housing Act exempt or there is a more strict local law.

You do not have to pay for it. The applicant is required to fund the modification.

You can require (and should require) a permit be pulled and the work done by a person with a license and insurance.

You can take the cost to remove and repair out of the deposit when the person leaves the property.

Only one entrance needs to be adjusted for entry. If there is a front door and a back door, you only need to have one of those set up with a ramp, particularly if the back door doesn't have full exit status, like only exits into a grassy yard.