Searching for Accessible Housing

Important considerations when looking for accessible housing off-campus for the first time:

  • Be upfront about your needs: Do not hesitate to clearly communicate your disability and specific accessibility requirements.
  • Review the Fair Housing Act: Understand your rights under the Fair Housing Act regarding reasonable accommodations and modifications for people with disabilities. 

 

The following questions are provided as a resource/guide to help identify important questions to ask when looking for accessible housing. This list is not exhaustive. 

General Accessibility:

  1. What are non-negotiables for your living space? Is it an accessible bathroom? Is it doorways? Etc.
  2. Ask directly if there is an ADA space that is not advertised- what types of accessible units are available and what features are included in accessible units (such as wider doorways, roll-in showers, push buttons, etc.)? What specific accessible features are included in an accessible unit (e.g., wider doorways, lowered countertops, grab bars in bathroom, accessible light switches)?
    1. Ask about pricing for accessible spaces.
    2. Are the accessible units incorporated into the housing community and near shared amenities, or located separately/on the outskirts of the property?
  3. Proximity to campus? Do you need a location near public transportation?
  4. Are there accessible pathways and entrances to all buildings? Look into how to navigate the space- do you need a flat entry way? Elevator?
  5. What is the width of the doorways in the unit?
  6. Are all levels of the building accessible via elevators with audible and visual signals?
  7. Is the apartment owner/manager able to make adjustments to the space (e.g. install a ramp)?
    1. Pay attention to reactions/attitudes/responses of owner/manager. This will inform you on how receptive they will be to access needs or complaints.
  8. Identify who the contact will be for access needs or maintenance issues, and ask about response time. Be sure to request a phone number and/or email.
  9. Is the square footage adequate for equipment or supports that are needed, and still being able to move around the space, etc.?
  10. Request dimensions and layout of the space (especially important if you can’t see the space).
  11. How reliable is maintenance? If something breaks down (i.e. elevator or appliances), what is the maintenance request process? How quickly does maintenance come? Does maintenance keep up-to-date with accessibility concerns?
  12. Are there push buttons for necessary locations on the property (i.e. laundry room, pool, etc.)

Unit Features:

  1. Temperature regulation: is there self-regulated heating and AC? Is it one thermostat for the whole unit, or individual rooms?
  2. Sensory characteristics: is it a noisy area? Can you hear neighbors through the walls? What type of lights are used in the units? Is there natural lighting? Type of/texture of carpet/flooring? Texture/fabric of furniture that is provided? Can you switch out furniture? Colors in the unit?
  3. Can modifications be made to a standard unit to accommodate specific needs (e.g., installing a shower seat)?
  4. If apartment is furnished, are they able to take out furniture to bring in accessible furniture? Can you move furniture around? Or, are they able to provide accessible furniture?
  5. Are the tables, counters, cabinets, appliances, etc. at an adequate height/level for accessibility?

Common Area Accessibility:

  1. If there are community amenities (e.g. pool, community room, etc.), are they accessible?
  2. Laundry: is it communal or do you have your own washer/dryer? Are the machines stacked? Top-load? Is the laundry room carpeted? Are laundry rooms accessible with features like lowered washer and dryer controls?
  3. Garbage/recycling: where are bins located/how to dispose of garbage/recycling? Are the bins easily accessible? Do you need to lift the top to throw away? 

Transportation To/From:

  1. Are there accessible parking spaces available?
  2. Is there public transportation nearby to take you to campus/close to campus? Does the Access Shuttle/Duck Rides come somewhere nearby?

Roommates:

  1. Consider your chosen roommate(s). Have you discussed accessibility needs? Do you have a communication plan if challenges arise?
  2. If living somewhere in which a roommate is not chosen, are there options incase the roommate does not respect/abide by accessibility needs (e.g. mediation support, option to change rooms, etc)
  3. *Note: private apartment/housing complexes are unlikely to support or mediate roommate issues.

Other Resources: 

*Created in collaboration with the AccessAbility Student Union (AASU), June 2025