The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a 1990 federal law that prohibits discrimination against Americans with disabilities. The law is designed to ensure that disabled individuals are provided the same opportunities available to those without disabilities. In regards to senior housing facilities, such as those funded with a HUD 232 or HUD 232/223(f) loan, ADA Standards for Accessible Design require certain buildings to comply with standard accessibility designs to allow equal access to those with disabilities.
The Fair Housing Act and the Americans With Disabilities Act also apply to multifamily properties. The Fair Housing Act mandates that all buildings with 4+ units built for first occupancy after March 13, 1991, must meet the Act's accessibility requirements. The Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (FHAA) requires that apartment buildings constructed after March 13, 1991, have certain features that will make them adaptable for disabled residents. HUD created a Fair Housing Act Design Manual, which can help investors and developers determine whether a current or proposed apartment property meets Fair Housing Act Standards.