What responsibility does a tenant have when making modifications for their disability?

The responsibility to return the property to its original condition is based on the tenant's obligation to ensure that modifications made to accommodate their disability do not permanently alter the rental unit. This concept is rooted in the understanding that while tenants have the right to make reasonable modifications to their living space under fair housing laws, they also have a duty to ensure that the property can be restored to its original condition at the end of their tenancy.

This means that, should the tenant alter any part of the property—such as installing grab bars or widening doorways—they must either remove these additions upon leaving or restore the affected areas to their prior state, especially if the modifications could be considered invasive or permanent.

Regarding the other options, the expectation that modifications are completed at the landlord’s cost is incorrect because tenants are typically responsible for the expenses associated with modifications for their own convenience and needs. Notifying the landlord of changes in advance is a good practice, but it is often not a legal requirement, and similarly, covering the cost of landscaping improvements isn't generally applicable unless specifically agreed upon in the lease. Overall, the emphasis on returning the property to its original condition aligns with the principles of both tenant responsibility and property management in rental agreements.