Asking for more time in the application process
Are you applying to rent a place and...
Need more time for some of the processes involved?
Need more time for reasons related to a disability?
If you answered yes to both questions, you have the right to ask for the owner to give you more time in the application process.
Why might you ask for more time for housing processes?
Sometimes, the housing process has timelines that are very short. If you have a disability:
Maybe you are already very busy with appointments
Maybe you need more time to process or gather information
Maybe you have an issue that makes it difficult for you to get to appointments
Maybe you need time to connect with your case manager or other person who is helping you in the process
Here is an example:
Lee's story
An apartment unit's owner said Lee must come see the unit the next day. Lee has mobility issues and cannot travel in the cold weather easily by public transportation. Lee's sister can drive them to visit the apartment - just later in the week.
Lee can ask for more time to visit the apartment later in the week to accommodate their disability.
Big Takeaway: If you need more time than the owner gives you, you have the right to ask for more time related to any stage in application process to accommodate a disability.
Asking for an accommodation for more time in processes: sample letter
Here is a sample letter about asking for more time that explains some important things to include. The examples here might not all apply to your situation. You should include details that are true to you in your letter (or the person you are writing a letter for).
