Are You in Compliance?

The Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 put into place design requirements to make new construction of multifamily dwellings more accessible. The guidelines cover all multifamily dwellings of 4 or more units, which were ready for first occupancy on or after March 13, 1991.

The seven design requirements apply to all ground floor units and all units on floors served by elevators.

Requirement # 1 – Accessible building entrance on an accessible route
Requirement # 2 – Accessible public and common-use areas
Requirement # 3 – Accessible door into and within premises
Requirement # 4 – Accessible route into and through  the covered dwelling unit
Requirement # 5 – Accessible outlets, switches and environmental controls
Requirement # 6 – Reinforced bathroom walls at toilets, tubs, and showers for later installation of grab bars
Requirement # 7 – Kitchen and bathroom designed to enable a wheelchair to maneuver

Covered multifamily dwellings are buildings consisting of four or more dwelling units. This includes apartments, condominiums, single-story townhomes, vacation timeshare properties, college residential halls, homeless shelters and other similar residential buildings.

Noncompliance with the federal Fair Housing Act can be the basis for a housing discrimination complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and/or a civil lawsuit.

Silver State Fair Housing Council offers courses to better educate housing providers on compliance with the Fair Housing Act.

“ABCs of Fair Housing for Real Estate & Property Management Professionals” is a three hour continuing education course accredited by Nevada Real Estate Commission (CE.2630000 RE – 3 hours Ethics) and the Commission on Common-Interest Communities and Hotel Condominiums (CE.0060001-CAM – 3 hours General). The training is designed to provide real estate licensees, property managers, homeowners’ associations, office staff and maintenance employees with resources and tools to recognize and address potential fair housing issues. Topics include basic fair housing information, families with children, advertising, and fair housing protections for persons with disabilities. All participants receive a comprehensive packet of information and resources, as well as a certificate of participation. Current grant funding allows SSFHC to conduct six training sessions per year at locations throughout Nevada.

Equidad de Vivienda – Fair Housing Training is a two-hour fair housing training conducted in Spanish. The training is designed to provide real estate professionals, property managers, homeowners’ associations, office staff, and maintenance employees with resources and tools to recognize and address potential fair housing issues. Topics include basic fair housing information, families with children, advertising, and fair housing protections for persons with disabilities. All participants receive a comprehensive packet of information and resources, as well as a certificate of participation.

Note: Spanish language training does NOT have Real Estate Continuing Education credits.

To learn more about these courses, contact us or see our calendar of events.