ADA Multifamily Housing Unit Accessibility Checklist [FREE PDF]

The Fair Housing Act (FHA) requires that all multifamily dwellings with four or more units built after March 13, 1991 meet seven specific accessibility design requirements, including accessible routes, accessible doors, accessible environmental controls, and usable kitchens and bathrooms. Properties with units covered under ADA Title II or III may have additional requirements under the 2010 ADA Standards for accessible design. ANSI A117.1-2017 provides detailed technical specifications that serv

  • Industry: Government
  • Frequency: Annually
  • Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes
  • Role: Accessibility Specialist
  • Total Items: 36
  • Compliance: Fair Housing Act 42 U.S.C. §3604(f)(3)(C) – Accessibility Design Requirements, HUD Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines (56 FR 9472, 1991), ANSI A117.1-2017 – Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, ADA Title II – Public Services (42 U.S.C. §12131) for government-owned housing, 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design §809 – Residential Dwelling Units

Accessible Building Entry and Route to Unit

Verify that the route from the public way to the unit entrance meets accessibility requirements.

  • Is there at least one accessible building entrance on an accessible route from the public sidewalk or parking?
  • Is the accessible route to the unit entrance at least 36 inches wide and free of steps?
  • Is the route surface firm, stable, and slip-resistant without significant cross-slope (max 2%)?
  • Are all changes in level on the route 0.25 inches or less (or beveled up to 0.5 inches)?
  • Is there elevator access or a ramp for all floors containing accessible or covered units above the ground floor?

Unit Entrance Door

Inspect the primary entrance door to the unit for width, hardware, and maneuvering clearance compliance.

  • Does the unit entry door provide a minimum 32-inch clear opening width when open 90 degrees?
  • Is there at least 18 inches of maneuvering clearance on the latch side of the pull face of the entry door?
  • Can the door hardware be operated with one hand without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting?
  • Is the door opening force 5 pounds or less for interior doors (excluding fire doors)?
  • Is the door threshold no higher than 0.75 inches (or 0.5 inches for sliding doors)?

Interior Doors and Accessible Routes Within Unit

Confirm that interior doors and circulation routes allow independent access to all rooms and features.

  • Do all interior passage doors provide a minimum 32-inch clear opening width?
  • Is there a 36-inch minimum clear corridor width throughout the unit's primary circulation path?
  • Are all interior door handles lever-style or otherwise operable without tight grasping?
  • Is there a clear floor space of at least 30 x 48 inches at each interior door on the latch side?
  • Are all floor surfaces within the unit firm, stable, and free of thick pile carpet (pile height >0.5 inches)?

Light Switches, Outlets, and Environmental Controls

Check that all operable controls, switches, and outlets are within accessible reach ranges per FHA Requirement 5.

  • Are all light switches mounted between 15 and 48 inches above the finished floor?
  • Are electrical outlets mounted at least 15 inches above the finished floor?
  • Are thermostat controls mounted between 15 and 48 inches above the finished floor?
  • Can all operable controls be operated with one hand without tight grasping or twisting?
  • Are there reinforced walls or blocking in bathrooms for future grab bar installation?

Kitchen Accessibility

Evaluate kitchen design for wheelchair maneuverability and accessible reach to fixtures and controls per FHA Requirement 7.

  • Is there a 60-inch turning radius or T-turn clear floor space within the kitchen?
  • Is there at least 40 inches of clear floor space between all opposing base cabinets, countertops, or appliances?
  • Are kitchen sink controls operable with one hand and located within accessible reach range?
  • Are kitchen appliance controls (range, dishwasher, refrigerator) within forward or side reach range (15–48 inches)?
  • Is there knee clearance or clear floor space provided at the kitchen sink for a forward approach?

Bathroom Accessibility

Inspect bathroom for maneuvering space, grab bar blocking, fixture reach, and usability per FHA Requirements 6 and 7.

  • Is there a 60-inch turning radius or T-turn clear floor space within the bathroom?
  • Is the toilet centerline located between 16 and 18 inches from the side wall?
  • Is there a minimum 18-inch clear floor space beside the toilet for a side transfer approach?
  • Are the bathroom walls reinforced or blocked for future grab bar installation at the toilet, tub, and shower?
  • Is the bathroom sink faucet operable with one hand without tight grasping (lever or sensor type)?
  • Does the shower or tub have a handheld showerhead with at least 59 inches of flexible hose?

Inspection Findings and Documentation

Record overall compliance status, deficiencies found, and corrective action plans for this unit.

  • Does this unit meet all seven Fair Housing Act accessibility design requirements?
  • Were any non-compliant conditions identified during this unit inspection?
  • Please describe all deficiencies identified, referencing specific FHA requirements or ANSI sections?
  • Please attach photographs of all non-compliant or questionable conditions observed?
  • Additional notes, observations, or recommended follow-up actions?

Related Ada Compliance Checklists

Related Physical Accessibility Checklists

Why Use This ADA Multifamily Housing Unit Accessibility Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This ada multifamily housing unit accessibility checklist [free pdf] helps government teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for accessibility specialist professionals, this checklist covers 36 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: annually.

Ensures compliance with Fair Housing Act 42 U.S.C. §3604(f)(3)(C) – Accessibility Design Requirements, HUD Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines (56 FR 9472, 1991), ANSI A117.1-2017 – Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, ADA Title II – Public Services (42 U.S.C. §12131) for government-owned housing, 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design §809 – Residential Dwelling Units. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the ADA Multifamily Housing Unit Accessibility Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 36 inspection items across 7 sections: Accessible Building Entry and Route to Unit, Unit Entrance Door, Interior Doors and Accessible Routes Within Unit, Light Switches, Outlets, and Environmental Controls, Kitchen Accessibility, Bathroom Accessibility, Inspection Findings and Documentation. It is designed for government operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed annually. Each completion takes approximately 45-60 minutes.

Who should use this ADA Multifamily Housing Unit Accessibility Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for Accessibility Specialist professionals in the government industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

Browse More Checklists