Fair Housing Act Design Manual

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First published in 1996, the Fair Housing Act Design Manual: A Manual to Assist Designers and Builders in Meeting the Accessibility Requirements of The Fair Housing Act provides clear and helpful guidance about ways to design and construct housing which complies with the Fair Housing Act. The manual explains the accessibility requirements of the Act, which must be incorporated into the design and construction of multifamily housing covered by the Act. A clear statement of HUD’s interpretation of the accessibility requirements of the Act is included so that readers may know what actions will provide them with a “safe harbor.” Recommendations are made which, although not binding, meet the Department’s obligation to provide technical assistance on alternative accessibility approaches that are, at least minimally, in compliance with the Act. The latter information allows housing providers to choose among alternatives and provides persons with disabilities with information on accessible design approaches.

In the previous edition, differences existed between the Act’s accessibility requirements and the non-binding or recommended guidance provided by the manual. The revised manual clarifies what are requirements under the Act and what are HUD’s technical assistance recommendations. The portions describing the requirements are clearly differentiated from the technical assistance recommendations.

Order Revision sheets from the HUD User Web Store if you have the 1996 edition.