RENT WATCH

Question: I am a legally blind tenant in a very large complex. I got a notice from the management that said safety inspections would be conducted in all units. It gave a broad range of dates and no specific times.

Because I am blind, I cannot verify that people at my door are who they say they are. May I ask for an inspection at a specific time so I can arrange for someone to be here with me?

Answer: Yes, you may. California Civil Code Section 1954 protects every tenant by requiring landlords to give 24 hours’ written notice before entering a rental unit. The notice must state the approximate time of entry, which must be during normal business hours. The tenant does not have the right to insist on being present.

You are disabled, so you may be able to request a “reasonable accommodation” to allow you to set an exact appointment and to have a companion present. A reasonable accommodation is a change in rules, policies and practices that may be necessary to afford a disabled person an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling.

Because your disability prevents you from identifying inspectors, it is reasonable for you to request that the management allow you to make an appointment for a specific date and time so you can make the proper arrangements.

If disability is not readily apparent or visible, housing providers may request reliable information to verify that the person meets the Fair Housing Act’s definition of disability.

-- Martin Eichner, Project Sentinel

Eichner is director of Housing Counseling Programs for the Sunnyvale, Calif.-based mediation service. Submit a question at www.housing.org.