February 28, 2025
Nate Crippes / Public Affairs Supervising Attorney
ncrippes@disabilitylawcenter.org
Andrew Riggle / Public Policy Advocate
ariggle@disabilitylawcenter.org
(801) 363-1347 / (800) 662-9080
disabilitylawcenter.org
Many Utahns with disabilities and older adults live on fixed incomes, relying on as little as $967 a month in SSI or other benefits. Not surprisingly, skyrocketing rents can keep them out of safe and healthy housing. Without affordable options, they may be forced into substandard conditions or face homelessness.
Making matters worse, modifications for those with mobility issues – such as ramps, wider doorways, and accessible bathrooms – aren’t required in traditional homes. Salt Lake City’s 2010-2015 consolidated plan estimated there were only around 100 fully accessible units citywide, a figure hasn’t been updated since then.
Even in large apartment buildings usually required to have some accessible features, the ground floor is often occupied by retail or other mixed-use space. Therefore, the first residential floor is really the second floor, making emergency evacuation a challenge. Additionally, more accessible units are frequently rented to tenants who don’t need the features.
The challenge of finding another affordable and accessible home or apartment is why we ask you to at least preserve a court’s discretion to grant a good cause exception of a reasonable length to the three days to vacate requirement following an eviction.
Thank you for considering our concern.