Location: Virginia
My mom was recently admitted to the hospital where they discovered she has a brain tumor. She is now in a wheelchair after having a fall due to the tumor limiting her mobility (she has extremely limited mobility on the left side).
She signed a lease over a month ago for a townhome, before any of this happened. The townhome has stairs outside the entrance, and three floors inside. There is no elevator and no way for her to wheel up to the entrance from the sidewalk.
We reached out to the landlord and explained what’s going on. The landlord replied that the current lease is still in effect until they find a new renter to take over the lease.
What recourse does she have, if any? It’s breaking my heart to see my mom have to worry about this. She hasn’t even been discharged from the hospital and she will be in a rehabilitative facility for a few weeks after starting radiation. The landlord didn’t offer a lease cancellation fee.
Comments
NAL but she may be able to request a termination of the lease as a reasonable accommodation under the fair housing act since she has become disabled. You’ll need documentation from a medical professional regarding your moms condition. I’d recommend contacting a local tenants rights organization as well as legal aid.