New App Helps Builders Meet Accessibility Requirements of Fair Housing Act
NAHB unveiled the Pocket Guide to the Fair Housing Act, a free app designed to help home builders, contractors and designers meet the accessibility requirements of the act, during the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas this week.
“HUD welcomes the efforts of this important housing industry partner in working to meet the needs of persons with disabilities,” said U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson. "This new app represents an exciting new tool in our collective effort to help ensure that home builders meet their Fair Housing Act obligations.”
“Through this free tool, NAHB strives to increase Fair Housing Act compliance within the housing industry and facilitate greater access to multifamily housing for persons with disabilities,” said NAHB Immediate Past Chairman Greg Ugalde.
The app was partially funded by an educational grant from HUD through the Fair Housing Initiatives Program. Staff from NAHB’s legal, codes and technology departments made substantial in-kind contributions to the project. The app will enable builders and developers to determine if the Fair Housing Act’s accessibility requirements apply to their housing project and, if so, provide a quick reference guide to the seven basic accessibility requirements for compliance with the law.
“The more informed a home builder is, the easier it is for them to create the kind of housing they want to build while also complying with the nation’s fair housing laws,” said Anna María Farías, HUD’s Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “This phenomenal new app is just the resource that can make that possible.”
The information contained in this app is intended to provide a basic, non-exhaustive guide to understanding and conforming with the design and construction requirements of the Fair Housing Act. It is not a safe harbor for compliance with the Fair Housing Act.
The app can be downloaded from the App Store (for iPhone and iPad) and from Google Play (for Android devices) by searching “FHA Guide” or “NAHB.”
More details can be found at nahb.org/fhaguide.
Latest from NAHBNow
Jul 21, 2025
NAHB Mourns Passing of Rick HermanNAHB mourns the passing of Rick Herman, longtime Executive Officer of the Rochester Home Builders Association (RHBA) in New York. Rick joined RHBA 30 years ago and served as a tireless advocate for members in Rochester and around the state.
Jul 18, 2025
Metals and Equipment Drove Material Prices Higher in JuneResidential building material prices rose in June, driven primarily by higher construction machinery and equipment part prices, based on data from the most recent Producer Price Index (PPI). Metal commodities also experienced significant increases, following recently implemented tariffs on steel and aluminum.
Latest Economic News
Jul 21, 2025
Use of Private Water and Sewer Systems in New Single-Family HomesThe share of new single-family homes built with individual septic systems declined slightly in 2024 compared to the previous year, while the share of homes served by private wells remained steady.
Jul 21, 2025
Sales of Lower-Priced New Single-Family Homes Declined Over the Past Five YearsFrom 2020 to 2024, sales of lower-priced new homes declined significantly as the market moved toward higher-priced segments. Rising construction costs—driven by inflation, supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages—as well as higher regulatory costs, made it increasingly difficult for builders to construct affordable homes.
Jul 18, 2025
State-Level Employment Situation: June 2025Nonfarm payroll employment increased in 27 states in June compared to the previous month, while employment decreased in 23 states and the District of Columbia. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nationwide total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 147,000 in June following a gain of 144,000 jobs in May.