Fair Housing Act Checklist

A Guide to Accessible Design and

Construction Compliance

The Equal Rights Center

About the Author

e Equal Rights Center (ERC) is a national non-prot civil rights organization dedicated to pro-

moting equal opportunity in housing, employment, public accommodations, and government

services. With more than 30 years of experience protecting civil rights, the ERC works to identify,

address and remedy both individual instances of discrimination, as well as large-scale, systematic

discrimination nationwide. One of the ERC’s central programs is the Multifamily Housing Re-

source Program (MHRP), a proactive collaboration of housing developers, accessibility experts,

and industry professionals to increase the number of residential housing units in the United States

that are accessible to persons with disabilities. e MHRP enhances housing industry compliance

with federal, state, and local accessibility laws through the use of best practices, employee training,

and compliance resources.

e Equal Rights Center sta members instrumental in the development of this checklist include:

Victoria Lanteigne

Program Manager, Corporate Partnerships and Training

Andrea Browning

Program Coordinator, Corporate Partnerships and Training

Grant Beck

Communications Associate

iii

Fair Housing Act Checklist

e work that provided the basis for this publication was supported by funding under a grant with the U.S. Department of Housing and Ur-

ban Development. e substance and ndings of the work are dedicated to the public. e author and publisher are solely responsible for

the accuracy of the statements and interpretations contained in this publication. Such interpretations do not necessarily reect the views of

the Federal Government.

Introduction

Requirement 1:

Accessible building entrance on an accessible route

Requirement 2:

Accessible and usable

common and public use areas

Requirement 3:

Usable doors

Requirement 4:

Accessible route into and through the covered

dwelling unit

Requirement 5:

Light switches, electrical outlets, thermostats and

environmental controls in accessible locations

Requirement 6:

Reinforced walls for grab bars

Requirement 7:

Usable kitchens and bathrooms

Contents

Fair Housing Act Checklist MHRP

Introduction

e purpose of the Fair Housing Act Checklist: A Guide to Accessible Design and Construc-

tion Compliance (FHA Checklist) is to highlight regulations as they apply to covered multi-

family dwellings. Covered multifamily dwellings are dened by the Fair Housing Act (FHA) as

buildings with four or more dwelling units that are newly constructed for rst occupancy on

or aer March 13, 1991. All covered buildings, as well as the covered units within, are required

to meet the accessibility regulations of the Fair Housing Act.

is checklist is organized along the seven technical requirements of the FHA; certain de-

viations in sequencing have been made to enhance the usability of the checklist during a site

survey. Images featured throughout this publication are taken from the U.S. Department of

Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Fair Housing Act Design Manual and the Institute

for Human Centered Design.

is document is not a safe harbor for compliance with the FHA. Departures from this

checklist may still result in compliance provided that the alternative resource meets the re-

quirements of the FHA. In addition, the FHA requirements listed in this document focus on

accessibility at a federal level. Please note that dierent regulations may vary within state and

local jurisdictions. It is the Equal Rights Center’s recommendation to always consult with ac-

cessibility experts who are familiar with and knowledgeable on all regulations that impact ac-

cessibility in multifamily housing.

Fair Housing Act Checklist

Accessible Entrances

All buildings containing covered dwelling units have at least one accessible

entrance along an accessible route.

e accessible entrance is the primary entryway used by guests and

other residents.

Note: A side or back door cannot serve as the accessible entrance. See FHA Site Impracticality

Tests for sites with terrain challenges.

e accessible entrance to all buildings provides access to all covered

dwelling units.

1.1

1.2

Covered multifamily buildings (see Introduction) may contain covered units which are re-

quired to meet the design requirements of the Fair Housing Act. Among other distinguishers,

covered units are determined by the following criteria:

ough multistory units are typically not covered by the FHA regulations, when they are lo-

cated in buildings with one or more elevators, the primary entry level is covered, and therefore

must meet all design requirements of the FHA.

• In covered multifamily buildings with elevators, all units are covered units.

• In covered multifamily buildings without an elevator, all ground oor units are

covered units. Note: ere may be more than one ground oor in a building due to dierent

grade levels.

Requirement 1:

Accessible building entrance

on an accessible route

*Note: Refer to state and local building codes or other HUD-Approved Safe Harbors for further guidance.

Fair Housing Act Checklist Fair Housing Act Checklist

Accessible Routes

ere is at least one continuous, unobstructed accessible route throughout

the community.

Note: e route does not require the use of stairs.

e accessible route is constructed of a rm, stable, and slip-resistant

material.

e accessible route maintains a minimum width of 36 inches.

e accessible route reduces to no less than 32 inches (at doorways or short

corridors) for a maximum depth of 24 inches. ese narrower portions of

the accessible route must be separated by at least 48 inches of travel space.

e accessible route connects all features, elements and spaces of the com-

munity to the covered dwelling units.

Note: Examples include a route leading from site arrival points such as public sidewalks or

transportation stops within the site boundary, through the community to all covered build-

ings, amenities and facilities.

1.3

1.4

1.5

1.6

1.7

min

Fair Housing Act Checklist

e accessible route maintains a cross slope

no greater than 1:48 (2%).

In instances where an accessible route makes

a 180 degree turn around an

object that is less than 48 inches wide:

•eaccessibleroutehasaclearwidth

of 42 inches minimum approaching the

turn, 48 inches minimum at the turn, and

42 inches minimum leaving the turn; or

•eaccessibleroutehasaclearwidthof

36 inches minimum approaching the turn,

60 inches minimum at the turn, and 36

inches minimum leaving the turn.

e accessible route maintains a running

slope no greater than 1:20 (5%).

1.8

1.10

1.9

Fair Housing Act Checklist

Grates or other openings along the route

are no larger than ½ inch.

Openings are positioned with the long

dimension perpendicular to the

dominant direction of travel.

ere is a minimum 60 x 60 inch passing

space for every 200 feet along the acces-

sible route.

Changes in level along the route are no

greater than ¼ inch in height, or ½ inch

if beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2.

Changes in level along the route that are greater than ½ inch must be ramped

with a slope no greater than 1:12 (8.33%).

Note: See Sections 2.9 - 2.17 for ramp requirements.

1.9

1.10

1.11

1.12

1.13

1.14

Fair Housing Act Checklist

Requirement 2:

Accessible and usable

common and public use areas

e Fair Housing Act requires newly constructed housing developments with

covered buildings to have accessible common and public use areas. Common

use areas are rooms, spaces and elements inside or outside of a building that

are made available for the use of residents and guests of residents, including

laundry rooms, swimming pools, tness centers, and recreational clubhouses.

Public use areas within a housing community are areas that are open to the

general public such as leasing oces, public parking spaces, and public rest-

rooms. In addition to FHA requirements, public use areas are subject to Title

III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Although the intent of the Fair Housing Act Checklist is to highlight FHA

regulations, ADA regulations which apply to certain areas within housing de-

velopments have been included. All ADA Regulations cited in this Checklist

are based on the 2010 ADA Standards.

*Note: Refer to state and local building codes or other HUD-Approved Safe Harbors for further guidance.

Fair Housing Act Checklist

ere is an accessible route leading to at least one of each type of feature within

each common use area. Examples include:

• Fitness equipment within tness centers

• Laundry machines and folding tables within laundry rooms

• Pool tables and games within clubhouses

Elements of common use areas are accessible to people with disabilities (e.g.,

kitchens, bathrooms, etc.).

Note: To ensure compliance with accessibility regulations in common use areas, reference the

ANSI Standard A117.1 or another HUD-approved Safe Harbor.

ere is an accessible route leading from all covered dwelling units to at least

one of each type of common use area.

Note: Examples of common use areas include: tennis courts, swimming pools, tness centers,

recreational clubhouses, etc.

2.2

2.3

2.4

Common Use Areas

Public Use Areas

Elements of public use areas are compliant with applicable ADA regulations.

Note: To ensure compliance with accessibility regulations in public use areas, reference the appro-

priate ADA guidance: the 1991 ADA Standards for Accessible Design or the 2010 ADA Standards

for Accessible Design.

2.1

Fair Housing Act Checklist

Protruding Objects

Wall mounted objects located between 27 and

80 inches above the nished oor (AFF) have

leading edges that do not protrude more than

4 inches from the wall.

2.2

A vertical clearance of at least 80 inches AFF

is provided along the accessible route (e.g.,

stairwells, doorways, etc.).

In instances where the vertical clearance is

less than 80 inches, guardrails or other

barriers are provided to assist with detection

(e.g., barriers must be provided below open

stairwells).

ere is at least a continuous 36-inch route around all obstacles or protrud-

ing objects such as re extinguishers, aesthetic displays, shelving, light

xtures, water fountains, etc.

e route does not reduce to less than 32 inches for no more than 24 inches

maximum.

Note: ese narrower portions of the route must be positioned at least 48 inches apart.

2.5

2.6

2.7

2.8

Note: e protruding object requirement applies to all

circulation paths (e.g., hallways, passageways, aisles,

routes, etc.).

Fair Housing Act Checklist

Ramps

Ramps along an accessible route are at least 36 inches wide between

handrails.

e total rise of each ramp run does not exceed 30 inches.

e ramp maintains a running slope no greater than 1:12 (8.33%).

e ramp maintains a cross slope no greater than 1:48 (2%).

e surface of the ramp is made of a rm, stable, and slip-resistant material.

ere is a level landing at the top and bot-

tom of the ramp with a slope no greater

than 1:48 (2%) in all directions.

e landings are at least 60 inches long and

at least as wide as the ramp.

ere is a level landing (slope no greater

than 2% in all directions) where the ramp

changes direction that is at least 60 x 60

inches.

2.9

2.10

2.11

2.12

2.13

2.14

Note: Any accessible route with a running slope greater than 1:20 (5%) is

considered a ramp and will need to comply with requirements accordingly.

Fair Housing Act Checklist

When the ramp has a rise greater than 6

inches, there are continuous handrails on

both sides of the ramp.

Handrails do not encroach into the ramp

width or into the clear space at landings.

e top of the handrail gripping surface is

located between 34 and 38 inches above

the ramp surface.

Ramp handrails extend at least 12 inches

beyond the run of the ramp.

All handrail extensions are parallel with

the level landing and do not ‘extend’ over

the ramp run.

2.15

2.16

2.17

Fair Housing Act Checklist

If the accessible route crosses a curb there

is a curb ramp.

e cross slope of the curb ramp, excluding

ares, is no greater than 1:48 (2%).

e running slope of the curb ramp is no

greater than 1:12 (8.33%).

2.18

2.19

2.20

2.21

Curb Ramps

e curb ramp is positioned so it does not project into vehicular trac lanes,

parking spaces, or parking access aisles.

Fair Housing Act Checklist

e curb ramp is at least 36 inches wide, excluding side ares.

When the level landing at the top of the curb ramp is greater than 48 inches

wide, the curb ramp side ares have slopes no greater than 1:10 (10%).

When the level landing at the top of the curb ramp is less than 48 inches

wide, the curb ramp side ares have slopes no greater than 1:12 (8.33%).

ere is a level landing at the top of the

curb ramp with a slope no greater than

1:48 (2%) in all directions.

e level landing is at least 36 inches long

and at least as wide as the curb ramp.

2.22

2.23

2.24

2.25

2.26

All curb ramps have an area with detectable warnings (e.g., truncated domes)

at least 24 inches deep and at least as wide as the curb ramp.

All curb ramps adjoin an accessible route with a slope no greater than

1:20 (5%).

Fair Housing Act Checklist

Parking For Residents and Guests of Residents

in Common Use Areas

In areas where parking is provided for residents or guests of residents, at least

2% of the spaces are accessible.

In areas designated for visitor parking, at least one accessible space is pro-

vided.

If additional parking is provided at an amenity (e.g., a clubhouse), at least one

accessible space is provided.

Accessible parking spaces are at least 96 inches

wide, and served by an adjacent 60-inch wide

access aisle.

e access aisle is connected to an accessible route.

e slope of the accessible parking space and access aisle is no greater

than 1:48 (2%) in all directions.

ere is at least one accessible space per each type of residential parking

provided (e.g., covered, carport, surface parking, etc.).

Note: is is in addition to the requirement cited in Section 2.27.

2.27

2.28

2.29

2.30

2.31

Fair Housing Act Checklist

Parking at Public Use Areas

(Note: Regulations are based on the 2010 ADA Standards)

In areas where parking is provided for the public, there are an adequate

number of accessible spaces provided as required by the ADA (see table).

Note: Dimensions for accessible car spaces are listed in Section 2.31.

total

spaces

1 - 25 1

26 - 50 2

51 - 75 3

76 - 100 4

100+

see 2010

Standards 208.2

accessible

spaces

Among the number of parking spaces that must be accessible, at least one

space is van accessible.

For every 6 or fraction of 6 accessible parking spaces required, at least one

must be a van accessible space.

2.32

2.33

Fair Housing Act Checklist

e van accessible space is:

• At least 132 inches wide served by an

adjacent 60 inch-wide access aisle; or

• At least 96 inches wide served by an

adjacent 96 inch-wide access aisle.

ere is a minimum 98 inches of vertical

clearance provided for the van accessible

space.

e 98 inches of vertical clearance is

maintained at the garage entry as well as

throughout the route leading to and from

the space.

e access aisle is clearly marked with lines

to indicate that it is not a parking space.

e slope of the accessible parking space and access aisle is no greater than

1:48 (2%) in all directions.

e access aisle is connected to an

accessible route.

2.34

2.35

2.36

2.37

2.38

Fair Housing Act Checklist

e accessible spaces are located on the closest accessible route to the nearest

accessible entrance.

All accessible spaces are indicated with a sign that includes the International

Symbol of Accessibility.

e bottom of the sign is positioned at least 60 inches above the ground.

All van accessible spaces are indicated by signs marked “Van Accessible”.

2.39

2.40

2.41

Fair Housing Act Checklist

Mailbox Kiosks

In buildings with elevators, the operable parts of all mailboxes are within the

following acceptable reach ranges:

• Between 15 and 48 inches AFF with 30 x 48 inches of clear oor space

positioned for a forward approach; or

• Between 9 and 54 inches AFF with 30 x 48 inches of clear oor space

positioned for a side parallel approach.

Note: Reach range requirements of the FHA diers from those required by the US Postal Service.

Install mailbox suites according to both the Requirements of the FHA and the US Postal Service.

In buildings without elevators, operable parts of all mailboxes serving all

covered dwelling units located on the ground oor are within an acceptable

reach range (as cited above).

All toilet rooms and bathing facilities in common use areas are located on an

accessible route.

At least one of each xture in each room or space is accessible.

Accessible Restrooms (Common Use Areas)

Note: All other xtures and elements of the restroom are accessible as determined by the ANSI

Standard A117.1 or another HUD-approved Safe Harbor.

2.42

2.43

2.44

Fair Housing Act Checklist

FHA accessible restroom stalls meet one of the following designs:

Alternate Stall 1: 36” Wide

Standard Stall: 60” Wide

Alternate Stall 2: 48” Wide

2.45

Note: See ANSI Standard for scoping and further guidance.

Fair Housing Act Checklist

Requirement 3:

Usable doors

Accessible doors are part of the accessible route in public and common use spaces including:

Usable doors are doors located in the interior of a covered dwelling unit that are intended for

user passage.

• Main building entrances

• Doors to and within clubhouses, public restrooms,

laundry rooms, rental oces, etc.

• Primary entry doors to dwelling units

*Note: Refer to state and local building codes or other HUD-Approved Safe Harbors for further guidance.

Accessible Doors

Accessible doors have a clear opening of

at least 32 inches between the face of the

door and the stop, when the door is open

90 degrees.

3.1

3.2

e front approach to the pull side of the

door has at least 18 inches of maneuver-

ing clearance beyond the latch side and at

least 60 inches of space perpendicular to

the door wall.

Fair Housing Act Checklist

Door thresholds are no more than / inch high or / inch high if beveled

with a slope no greater than 1:2.

Door hardware is operable with one hand

and does not require grasping, pinching, or

twisting of the wrist.

Operable parts of the door hardware are

mounted between 34 inches and 48 inches

AFF.

Doors with closers take no less than 5

seconds to close from an open position of

90 degrees to a position of 12 degrees from

the latch.

3.3

3.4

3.5

3.6

Fair Housing Act Checklist

In instances where there are two doors in a series, (e.g., a vestibule), the

distance between the doors is at least 48 inches outside the swing of the doors

when:

• One door swings into the space (gure a);

• Both doors swing out of the space (gure b); or

• Both doors swing into the space (gure c).

In instances where doorway depth is greater than 24 inches, the doorway

opening has been increased to at least 36 inches.

gure a. gure b.

gure c.

3.7

3.8

Fair Housing Act Checklist

Maneuvering clearances for swinging doors comply with one of the following

congurations:

Type of Use Manuevering Clearance

Approach

Direction

60 inches

48 inches

42 inches

54 inches

42 inches

18 inches

36 inches

24 inches

20 inches

22 inches

42 inches

24 inches

Pull

From front

Door Side

Perpendicular

to Doorway

Parallel to Doorway

(beyond latch)

Interior hinged doors take no more than 5 lbs of pressure to push or pull

open.

Fire doors have the minimum opening force allowable by the appropriate

administrative authority.

3.9

3.10

3.11

Fair Housing Act Checklist

Usable Doors

Usable doors have a clear opening of at least a nominal 32 inches (no less than

31 and 5/8 inches) between the face of the door and the stop, when the door is

open to 90 degrees.

Note: Because of normal installation practices, usable doorways can vary from the 32-inch clear

width by a “nominal” amount. Tolerances of ¼ inch to / inch are considered an acceptable range

for usable doors.

Door thresholds are no more than ¼ inch high or ½ inch high if beveled with

a slope no greater than 1:2.

Usable Doors are doors within the unit that are intended for user passage such as bathroom,

bedroom, and utility room doors, among others.

Doors leading to closets with a depth greater than 24 inches have a nominal

32-inch clear width.

All secondary doors that provide passage onto exterior areas of the unit

(decks, patios, balconies, etc.) have a nominal 32-inch clear width.

Note: is is an FHA best practice.

3.12

3.13

3.14

3.15

Fair Housing Act Checklist

Requirement 4:

Accessible route into and through

the covered dwelling unit

Accessible Routes

e entry door to the unit meets the Accessible Door requirements as

indicated in Section 3.

Note: FHA requirements allow primary entry doors to units to have a threshold no higher than

/ inch if beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2.

4.1

*Note: Refer to state and local building codes or other HUD-Approved Safe Harbors for further guidance.

All areas within covered dwelling units, including secondary exterior spaces such as

balconies and terraces, must be connected by an accessible route.

Fair Housing Act Checklist

ere is an accessible route starting at the main entry door that leads, unin-

terrupted, through each room and connects to all spaces and elements within

the unit (e.g., bedrooms, bathrooms, living room, etc.).

Note: e FHA does not require an accessible route to unnished basements or garages.

e route maintains at least 36 inches in width throughout the unit.

roughout the interior of the unit, changes in level are no more than ¼ inch

high or ½ inch high if beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2.

Changes in level greater than ½ inch high are ramped with a slope no greater

than 1:12 (8.33%).

In instances where there is a lo, it takes up no more than 33 and / percent

of the oor area of the room in which it is present.

In instances where the unit is a multistory unit in a covered building with an

elevator:

• e primary entry to the unit is located on the same oor that is served

by the elevator; and

• e story served by the elevator meets FHA Requirements 3-7 (see Sec-

tions 3-7 for guidance).

4.2

4.3

4.4

4.5

4.6

Fair Housing Act Checklist

Thresholds & Changes in Level at Exterior

Primary and Secondary Doors

Changes in level vary depending on whether the door is a primary or secondary door and

the makeup of the material of the outside landing surface. Measurements for changes in level

should be taken from the nished oor or fully compressed carpet.

In instances where the primary entry door to a dwelling unit has direct

exterior access (e.g., a garden style building):

• If the landing material outside of the door is pervious, the exterior oor

is level with the interior oor of the dwelling unit.

• If the landing material outside of the door is impervious, the exterior

oor is no more than ½ inch below the interior oor of the dwelling unit.

• resholds at these doors are a maximum ¾ inch plus the change in level

noted above. ey must be beveled at a slope no greater than 1:2.

Note: is could allow an exterior maximum rise of 1-/ inch, which must be beveled with a

slope no greater than 1:2.

In instances where secondary doors lead to decks, patios, balconies, etc.:

• If the landing material outside of the door

is pervious, the change in level is no more

than ½ inch on the exterior side.

• If the landing material outside of the door is

impervious, the change in level is no more

than 4 inches on the exterior side.

• resholds at these doors are a maximum

¾ inch plus the change in level noted above.

e threshold must be beveled at a slope no

greater than 1:2.

Note: is could allow an exterior maximum rise of 4-3/4

inch (see image).

4.7

4.8

Fair Housing Act Checklist

Requirement 5:

Light switches, electrical outlets, thermostats and

environmental controls in accessible locations

Environmental controls, light switches, and electrical outlets are required to be placed in ac-

cessible locations. Environmental controls include heating and cooling controls (such as ther-

mostats), ceiling fans, automated skylights, etc.

Controls not covered by the FHA include: controls on appliances including ranges and wash-

ing machines, exhaust fan controls such as those which are an integral part of hoods installed

above ranges, circuit breakers, and telephone jacks, among others.

*Note: Refer to state and local building codes or other HUD-Approved Safe Harbors for further guidance.

Note: Guidelines allow for controls or outlets that do not satisfy the requirements, if comparable controls or

outlets are provided in the same area.

Fair Housing Act Checklist

In instances where there is a forward reach with no barrier:

• Controls, outlets, and switches are mounted no lower than 15 inches and

no higher than 48 inches AFF; and

• ere is 30 x 48 inches of clear oor space at the control to allow for a

forward approach.

Note: e height measurement is taken at the highest and lowest operable points of the control.

5.1

5.2

In instances where a forward reach is obstructed by a barrier that is less than

20 inches:

• Controls, outlets, and switches are mounted no higher than 48 inches

AFF; and

• Knee space clearance of at least 27 inches AFF is provided; and

• ere is 30 x 48 inches of clear oor space at the control to allow for a

forward approach.

Fair Housing Act Checklist

• Controls, outlets, and switches are mounted

no higher than 44 inches AFF; and

• Knee space clearance of at least 27 inches

AFF is provided; and

• ere is 30 x 48 inches of clear oor space at

the control to allow for a forward approach.

Note: HUD allows a maximum countertop projection of 25

½ inches

In instances where there is a side reach over an obstruction of up to 10

inches, controls, outlets, and switches are mounted no higher than 48 inches

AFF.

In instances where a forward reach is obstructed by a barrier that is more

than 20 inches but less than 25 inches:

5.3

5.4

5.5

In instances where there is a side reach over an obstruction greater than 10

inches but less than 24 inches, controls, outlets, and switches are mounted no

higher than 46 inches AFF.

Note: HUD allows a maximum countertop projection of 25 ½ inches.

Fair Housing Act Checklist

Requirement 6:

Reinforced walls for grab bars

Reinforced walls are required in all bathrooms in a covered dwelling unit. In addition, powder

rooms in multistory units in elevator buildings where the powder room is the only toilet facility on

the entry level are required to have reinforced walls.

ere are no specied materials for reinforcing. It is common to use cut-o from framing, ply-

wood, or metal plates.

ere is wall reinforcement of at least 6 inches

wide by 24 inches long provided centered behind

the toilet.

e reinforced area is positioned between 32

inches maximum AFF at the bottom edge and 38

inches minimum AFF at the top edge.

ere is wall reinforcement of at least 6 inches

wide by 24 inches long provided adjacent to the

toilet.

e reinforced area is positioned between 32

inches maximum AFF at the bottom edge and 38

inches minimum AFF at the top edge.

e leading edge of the wall reinforcment beside

the toilet is positioned at least 36 inches from the

back wall.

6.1

6.2

*Note: Refer to state and local building codes or other HUD-Approved Safe Harbors for further guidance.

Reinforced Walls

Fair Housing Act Checklist

In bathrooms where the toilet is not adjacent to a wall, the oor or wall is

reinforced for folding or oor-mounted grab bars.

ere is wall reinforcement of at least 6 inch-

es wide by 24 inches long provided at the

head and foot (control wall) of the tub.

e reinforced areas are positioned between

32 inches maximum AFF at the bottom edge

and 38 inches minimum AFF at the top edge.

e back wall of the tub is reinforced so that

there is no greater than 6 inches of non-re-

inforced area on either side. e reinforced

area of the tub stops at a minimum of 38

inches AFF at the top edge.

In instances where showers are the only bath-

ing xture in the unit, or on the entry level of a

multistory unit in a building with an elevator:

• ere is a wall reinforcement of at least 6

inches provided on all walls of the shower

Note: Glass walls are not required to be reinforced.

• e reinforced area is positioned between

32 inches maximum AFF at the bottom

edge and 38 inches minimum AFF at the

top edge.

6.3

6.4

6.5

6.6

Fair Housing Act Checklist

Requirement 7:

Usable kitchens and bathrooms

*Note: Refer to state and local building codes or other HUD-Approved Safe Harbors for further guidance.

Usable Kitchens

ere is 30 x 48 inches of clear oor space cen-

tered on the sink to allow for a parallel approach.

Note: is measurement is taken from the center of the sink

basin.

In instances where there are multiple sink bowls, there is 30 x 48

inches of clear oor space centered on the overall sink.

7.1

7.2

Usable kitchen and bathrooms are included under Requirement 7 of the Fair Housing Act.

Both require clear oor space positioned at xtures and proper clearance, among other

criteria, in order to provide accessibility to people with disabilities.

Fair Housing Act Checklist

ere is 30 x 48 inches of clear oor space cen-

tered on the cooktop/range to allow for a par-

allel approach.

Note: Cooktops with removable base cabinets that allow

for knee clearance of at least 30 inches wide by at least 27

inches high can have a centered forward approach.

Additional appliances such as refrigerators,

dishwashers, freezers, wall-mounted

microwaves/ovens, and trash compactors have

30 x 48 inches of clear oor space for either a:

• Centered parallel approach; or

• Centered forward approach

ere is a minimum clearance of 40 inches be-

tween all opposing elements within the kitch-

en work area such as base cabinets, counter

top edges, appliances, or walls.

Note: is measurement is taken from the face of the

appliance (excluding handles or controls) to whichever

opposing element projects the furthest (cabinet face,

countertop edge, wall, etc.).

In instances where kitchens have an island, the 40-inch minimum clearance is

maintained around all edges within the kitchen work area.

7.3

7.4

7.5

7.6

Fair Housing Act Checklist

In U-shaped kitchens, there is a 60-inch diameter

turning circle at the base of the kitchen.

Note: e 60-inch diameter turning circle must not be en-

croached upon by countertops, cabinets, refrigerators (exclud-

ing handles), etc.

Narrow U-shaped kitchens (lacking a 60-inch diameter turning circle) meet the

following requirements:

• ere is at least 40 inches between all opposing elements.

• e sink or cooktop is located at the base of the kitchen.

• e sink or cooktop has removable base cabinets that allow for proper knee

clearance.

• ere is knee clearance at least 30 inches wide by at least 27 inches high.

• ere is 30 x 48 inches of clear oor space centered on the sink or cooktop

for a forward approach (this can include knee space).

• All pipes are covered by a removable pipe protection and panel, or wrapped

with padded insulation materials.

Note: Because ranges do not allow for knee

space, a narrow U-shaped kitchen with a

range at the base will not meet the FHA

regulations.

7.7

7.8

Fair Housing Act Checklist

In instances where electrical outlets and switches are mounted over base

cabinets without knee space, the accessible outlets and switches meet the

following requirements:

• Electrical outlets and switches are mounted at least 36 inches from any

corner to allow for a parallel approach.

• Electrical outlets and switches are mounted no higher than 46 inches

AFF.

Countertop depths do not exceed 25 inches.

Note: HUD allows a maximum countertop projection of 25 / inches.

Countertops do not exceed 36 inches in height when measured AFF.

7.9

7.10

Fair Housing Act Checklist

Usable Bathrooms

Usable bathrooms must meet all FHA requirements including, but not limited

to:

• e bathroom is along an accessible route with a nominal 32-inch clear

door opening.

• Switches, outlets, and controls are located in accessible locations.

• Walls are reinforced for the later installation of grab bars.

• ere is sucient maneuvering space within the bathroom to permit a per-

son to enter and exit the room, close and reopen the door, and use xtures.

In instances where the unit is a multistory unit in an elevator building, there

is either a usable powder room (Section 7.12) or a usable bathroom (Section

7.11) on the same level that is served by the elevator.

If only a powder room is provided on the level that is served by the elevator,

it must meet the requirements in Section 7.12 as well as the following:

• e walls are reinforced for the later installation of grab bars.

• ere is sucient maneuvering space within the bathroom to permit a

person to enter and exit the room, close and reopen the door, and use

xtures.

In instances where there is a powder room in the unit, the powder room

must be:

• Along an accessible route with a door that provides a nominal 32-inch

clear opening; and

• Equipped with switches, outlets, and controls in accessible locations.

7.11

7.12

7.13

Fair Housing Act Checklist

Specification A and B Bathrooms

e Fair Housing Act provides two sets of specications to design bathrooms that are usable

by people with disabilities. ough there are other dierences, Specication B Bathrooms of-

fer greater access to the tub than Specication A Bathrooms.

If the Specication A design is selected, all bathrooms in the unit must comply with Speci-

cation A standards (Section 7.14). is includes access to all xtures in each Specication A

Bathroom (e.g., two lavatories in one bathroom would both need to meet FHA regulations).

If the Specication B design is selected, only one bathroom in the unit, and only one of each

type of xture within the bathroom, must comply with Specication B standards (Section

7.15). All other bathrooms in the unit must meet the usable bathroom requirements (Section

7.11), exempting maneuvering clearances and clear oor space requirements at xtures.

Specification A Bathrooms*

e door has a minimum clear width of 32 inches nominal and meets all other

usable door requirements (Sections 3.12–3.13).

ere is 30 x 48 inches of clear oor space outside the swing of the door that

provides a forward approach to the tub.

e walls are reinforced for the later installation of grab bars.

Clear oor space is provided at the lavatory by:

• 30 x 48 inches of clear oor space parallel to and centered on the sink basin;

• A removable vanity cabinet to provide knee space for a forward approach.

*Note: For diagram, see page 40.

Note: A parallel approach to the tub is also possible if proper knee space or removable base

cabinets are provided.

7.14

Fair Housing Act Checklist

Specification B Bathrooms*

e door has a minimum clear width of 32 inches nominal and meets all other

usable door requirements (Sections 3.12–3.13).

e walls are reinforced for the later installation of grab bars.

Clear oor space is provided for the lavatory by:

• 30 x 48 inches of clear oor space parallel to and centered on at least one

sink basin; or

• A removable vanity cabinet to provide knee space for a forward approach.

In instances where knee space is provided at the lavatory:

• ere is no more than 19 inches of the 30 x 48 inches of required clear oor

space extended under the lavatory.

• e top xture rim is a maximum of 34 inches AFF, with the apron at least

27 inches AFF.

• e depth of the wall hung or countertop lavatory is at least 17 inches from

the wall.

In instances where removable cabinetry is provided, pipes are covered for

protection by:

• Insulation around pipes; or

• Adding a xed, one-piece protection panel.

*Note: For diagrams, see page 40.

ere is 30 x 48 inches of clear oor space outside the swing of the door

that provides a side approach to the tub.

7.15

Fair Housing Act Checklist

Specication A Bathroom

(Section 7.14)

Specication B Bathroom

(Section 7.15)

Fair Housing Act Checklist

Both Specification A & B Bathroom Toilets

One of the following three clear oor spaces is

provided at toilets:

• e centerline of the toilet is 18 inches from

the adjacent side wall and at least 15 inches

from a wall-hung lavatory or vanity.

• ere is a minimum of 48 x 66 inches of clear

oor space, excluding the toilet and the wall-

hung lavatory or vanity.

• e centerline of the toilet is 18 inches from

the adjacent side wall and at least 15 inches

from a wall-hung lavatory or vanity.

• ere is a minimum of 48 x 56 inches of clear

oor space, excluding the toilet and the wall-

hung lavatory or vanity.

• e centerline of the toilet is 18 inches from

the adjacent side wall.

• ere is a minimum of 60 x 56 inches of clear

oor space, excluding the toilet.

7.16

Fair Housing Act Checklist

One of the following three clear oor spaces is

provided at tubs:

• ere is a minimum of 30 x 60 inches of clear

oor space adjacent to the tub, excluding a

lavatory with knee space.

Note: for use with Specication A bathrooms only.

• ere is a minimum of 48 x 60 inches of clear

oor space adjacent to the tub, excluding a toi-

let with a centerline at least 18 inches from the

tub.

Note: for use with Specication A bathrooms only.

• ere is a minimum of 30 x 48 inches of clear

oor space adjacent to the tub.

7.17

Fair Housing Act Checklist

Showers

Showers in Specication A and Specication B bathrooms that are the only

bathing xture in the unit are at least 36 x 36 inches.

In instances where the shower stall is 36 x

36 inches, the 30 x 48 inches of required

clear oor space is positioned ush with

the control wall and 12 inches oset

behind the wall opposite the control wall.

In instances where the shower stall is 36 x 48 inches, the 30 x 48 inches of

clear oor space is positioned parallel with the xture and ush with the

control wall.

7.18

7.19

7.20

Fair Housing Act Checklist

The Equal Rights Center

11 Dupont Circle N.W., Suite 450

Washington, D.C. 20036

(202) 234-3062 (Voice)

(866) 719-4372 (Toll Free)

Relay 711

(202) 234-3106 (Fax)