Real estate facilities can be sued for violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) if they fail to provide access and accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Some common reasons these types of facilities are sued for ADA violations include:
- Inaccessible entrances: Real estate facilities must have accessible entrances for individuals with disabilities, which includes ramps, elevators, and automatic door openers.
- Inaccessible common areas: Real estate facilities must ensure that their common areas, such as lobbies and community rooms, are accessible to individuals with disabilities, which includes adequate maneuvering space and accessible seating.
- Inaccessible units: Real estate facilities must ensure that their rental units are accessible to individuals with disabilities, which includes accessible features such as accessible doorways, kitchen counters, and bathrooms.
- Inaccessible parking: Real estate facilities must have accessible parking spaces for individuals with disabilities, which includes adequate signage, van accessible spaces, and accessible paths of travel.
- Inaccessible communication: Real estate facilities must provide auxiliary aids and services, such as sign language interpreters or assistive listening devices, to individuals with disabilities to ensure effective communication.
- Inaccessible websites and software: Real estate facilities with an online presence must have accessible websites and software for individuals with disabilities, which includes compatibility with screen readers and other assistive technology.
- Inaccessible policies and procedures: Real estate facilities must ensure that their policies and procedures are accessible to individuals with disabilities, which includes providing accessible versions of policy documents and training staff on accessibility requirements.
It’s important for real estate facilities to ensure that their properties and services are accessible to individuals with disabilities to avoid potential lawsuits and to provide equal access and opportunities to all tenants and visitors.