THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING:

In buildings of four or more units ready for first occupancy after March 13, 1991:

• Public and common areas must be accessible to persons with disabilities

• Doors and hallways must be wide enough for wheelchairs

• All units must have:

  • An accessible route into and through the unit

  • Accessible light switches, electrical outlets, thermostats and other environmental controls

  • Reinforced bathroom walls to allow later installation of grab bars and

  • Kitchens and bathrooms that can be used by people in wheelchairs.

If a building with four or more units has no elevator and will be ready for first occupancy after March 13, 1991, these standards apply only to ground floor units.

These requirements for new buildings do not replace more stringent standards in State or local law.

HUD DOJ Joint Statement on Design and Construction

Design and Construction Guide (Large PDF File 25.6mb)

Safe Harbors

Accessibility First