As you look through
the newspaper for rental apartments, you note that there are many
units available. But wait– you need a place
with a no-step building approach. You need a unit with grab bars
in the bathroom. You need a two-bedroom apartment with a roll-in
shower. Did you find these features in the ads?
In spite of easing apartment vacancies, finding rental housing is
not easy; if you need special features, things suddenly get more complicated.
This is because there is an inadequate supply of accessible housing
for people with disabilities in Minnesota. Principles of universal
design are not consistently included in new construction, creating
the need for expensive accessibility modifications and assistive devices.
HousingLink’s Housing Referral Service, developed with the assistance
of the Fair Housing Implementation Council, helps eliminate barriers
to finding that “needle in the haystack” accessible rental
property. Through the Housing Referral Service you can get customized
matches to accessible rental properties throughout the seven-county
metro area. The referral process requires the completion of a questionnaire,
then the service will match your particular housing needs to available
vacancies, and, if no match is found, place you on a waiting list.
The questionnaire, helps identify your preferences regarding location,
housing type, bedroom size, income, acceptance of rental assistance,
and pet allowance. Other features that may be included are: a no-step
approach, automatic door openers, door-width clearance of at least
32”, roll-in showers, grab bars in bath, and easily operated
door knobs or handles. Seniors can request referral to seniors-only
buildings.
HousingLink gathers both vacancy and waiting list information for
rental housing in the seven-county metro area. Vacancies in apartments,
duplexes, town homes, single-family homes, and rooms-for-rent are listed.
HousingLink also lists subsidized housing properties and alerts the
renter to the need for a voucher. When HousingLink finds a match, a
notice is mailed that includes features of the property and contact
information. All vacancies and requests for rental property are entered
into the HousingLink system quickly so the most up-to-date information
is available. The HousingLink staff contacts property owners and managers
frequently to ensure that the information provided is accurate and
current.
The service is already beginning to pay off by increasing the options
for people with accessibility needs. In December 2004, there were 213
listings with one or more accessible features noted. It is easy to
register with this free service. In addition to all the other services
they provide, the Disability Linkage Line can register both renters
and rentees with the Housing Referral Service. The Disability Linkage
Line can be accessed through their toll-free number at 1 (866) 333-2466
or at www.minnesotahelp.info. HousingLink provides information about
the service on its website: www.housinglink.org.
Tips on Searching for Housing
1. You, as the prospective renter,
are your own best advocate. The more effort you put into your search
the more likely you will be successful. The Disability Linkage Line
(DLL) is available to assist you. Please contact the DLL to sign
up for the Housing Referral Service. The DLL staff can also help
with any additional assistance you may need.
2. Confirm information
with the housing manager. Even if a unit is listed as accessible,
this does not necessarily mean it meets a particular standard. Ask
the contact person specific questions about accessibility to make
sure the property is accessible to you.
3. Get on as many waiting
lists as possible to maximize your housing opportunities. The most
persistent applicant will eventually get housing.
4. It may be necessary
to make a second call if the contact person has changed or the site
is in a different location than the main number. While additional
calls may be frustrating, it is important to remember that persistence
is necessary in order to succeed in today’s very competitive
housing market.
