The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has accessibility requirements for buildings that are used for private housing and federally assisted housing. Builders need to be familiar with accessibility compliance requirements when constructing new housing.
Multi-Family Housing
Housing that is privately owned or is publicly assisted housing must meet the requirements included in the Fair Housing Act. Requirements must be met regardless of whether a housing unit is a rental or is offered for sale. The requirements only apply to a building that has four or more units and was built after 1991.
Many sources of information are available for builders that need to meet accessibility compliance for a newly constructed building. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development developed their Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines in 1991 to help builders meet compliance standards. There is also a Question and Answer Supplement that was released in 1994. Additional guidance for complying with the requirements of the Fair Housing Act was provided in a Fair Housing Act Design Manual provided to builders in 1996. This manual includes sample designs and various illustrations.
Federally Assisted Housing
Housing developments that have five or more units need at least one unit accessible for persons with a disability. Units need to be constructed following Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards. Alterations may also be needed to existing housing that is receiving federal assistance. Information can be found in the Disability Rights in HUD Programs Section 504.
Americans with Disabilities Act
This is a law that was passed in 1990 and pertains mostly to parks, restaurants, hotels, and other public facilities. The law also applies to housing accessibility. Housing that is provided by states and local governments is covered by Title II of the ADA. This includes state university campus housing.
Additional Information
Visit the Fair Housing Accessibility First website to learn about construction requirements required for complying with the Fair Housing Act. If you have any questions about the compliance requirements of buildings, contact us today.