How does the law affect the construction of new buildings?
In buildings that were ready for first occupancy after March 13, 1991, and have an elevator and four or more units: • 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 were ready for first occupancy after March 13, 1991, these standards apply to ground floor units. These requirements for new buildings do not replace any more stringent standards in State or local law. How does the law affect housing opportunities for families? Unless a building or community qualifies as housing for older persons, it may not discriminate based on familial status. T
