Why follow ADA Guidelines?
If you fail to comply with ADA guidelines, you may lose tenants, pay fines, or pay for renovations that could’ve been prevented. At Sequoia Signs & Graphics, we will ensure that you are always up to date with the ADA guidelines.
The guidelines for commercial properties are different from residential properties. The good news is that Private residential properties don’t require all the rules that apply for commercial properties. Public areas in your apartment facility must be ADA compliant, but this doesn’t directly apply to the individual residential units. In terms of financial responsibility, the landlord bears responsibility for any accommodations built for tenants with disabilities as well as public area modifications However, the tenant is responsible for any requested modifications to an existing unit. This usually doesn’t refer to signage but is good to know for overall construction.
1. Private Residential Housing
Private Residential Housing is not covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act. However, this doesn’t mean that you are not required to adhere to any ADA Guidelines. It’s important to take note that it can affect some multi-family apartment projects, making it important for your signs to be ADA compliant. For example:
- Public accommodations in residential buildings such as clubhouses, gyms, or swimming pools
- Residential properties provided by educational institutions
- Government-owned and/or operated residential facilities
2. ADA Guidelines for Multi-Family compared to Commercial
If you are renovating an existing building that is not ADA compliant, look closely at the sign requirements for doorways, exits, restrooms, and wayfinding. Not only are ADA signs required for these areas, but the signs must be fabricated and installed according to the ADA Guidelines.
Read more about sign fabrication and installation in the guidelines here: ADA Signs for Multi-Family Housing that Is Compliant to Pass Your Inspection here.
In terms of financial responsibility, the landlord bears responsibility for any accommodations built for tenants with disabilities. Any requested modifications to an existing unit the tenant is responsible for. This usually doesn’t refer to signage but is good to know for overall construction.
3. ADA Guidelines when renovating
If you are renovating an existing building that is not ADA Compliant, make sure to take a close look at the following features that are unrelated to signs. Be sure to inspect the following: doorways, hallways, restrooms, handrails, parking spaces, elevators, and more.
Moving on to the signage, which must be fabricated and installed according to the ADA Guidelines. Read more about: ADA Signs for Multi-Family Housing that Are Compliant to Pass Your Inspection here.
We hope the above has provided you with information on why and how to follow ADA Guidelines. Multi-Family Housing is treated differently than commercial when it comes down to the Americans with Disabilities Act. Are you curious how to incorporate branding and design into ADA compliant room signs? Or do you have any more questions about this topic? Give us a call or contact us via our contact form.
