Miami property managers are required to integrate accessibility in their condominium facilities. However, blending these updates with aesthetically pleasing designs can be challenging. Fortunately, there are things you can do to make your property more welcoming for people with disabilities while maintaining its allure.
Why Is Accessibility Important in Condo Buildings?
Condo property managers must adhere to several laws — Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act — requiring accommodations and modifications for accessibility. These laws are enacted to ensure everyone, regardless of their disability, can live in housing safely and enjoy the premises.
The three pieces of legislation uphold different standards and requirements for housing providers to follow through. Under the FHA, landlords may be asked to accommodate a policy change, such as allowing service animals for disabled persons. A request for a reasonable modification may apply to a structural change.
The three pieces of legislation uphold different standards and requirements for housing providers to follow through. Under the FHA, landlords may be asked to accommodate a policy change, such as allowing service animals for disabled persons.
Section 504 — which applies to federally-funded public housing — mandates a minimum number of accessible units available for tenants who need them. Property managers must follow ADA compliance or face fines and legal problems. You can also hurt your reputation by not honoring a person's disability needs.
5 Strategies for Creating Aesthetically-Pleasing Accessibility
Improving your condo property's accessibility will appeal to more qualified renters. Of course, you may not know where to begin maintaining your facility's aesthetics while adding ADA-compliant changes. Here are five ways to seamlessly blend design and accessibility.
1. Lobby
If your property has a lobby, making it inviting and comfortable is essential. Reception desks should be at an appropriate height for wheelchair accessibility, such as adding lower counters in one section.
If there's a place for seating, ensure there is enough room in between for tenants to navigate their wheelchairs. Disabled people should also be able to transfer to and from a chair efficiently. For an added design element, purchase chairs and tables in ergonomic, modern styles.
2. Common Areas
Every tenant should have access to common areas, including clubhouses, gyms, mailrooms, terraces and laundry facilities. Automatic doors and touchless features make entering bathrooms and other spaces much more effortless. Having a designated ADA-compliant public bathroom is also a good idea.
Installing safer flooring will help prevent injuries from falls and provide more traction for residents with wheelchairs. The epoxy and polyurea flooring market is expected to grow at a 5.2% compounded annual rate from 2021 to 2028, making this a great choice for popular accessible flooring. This growth is mainly due to its slip-resistant surface and wide-ranging customization options, such as different colors.
Likewise, consider using paint to create contrast between walls and floors so people with vision impairments can see where they're going.
3. Exteriors
Individuals with wheelchairs and other disability aids must be able to enter and exit the condo property safely. Therefore, you should adapt doorways by widening entrances enough for a wheelchair while installing ADA swing door openers.
Removing barriers by creating an even threshold will also make transitioning from the outdoors to indoors safer. Ramps are especially beneficial for properties with stairs. Plant shrubbery, flowers or low palm trees in front of the ramp to enhance the curb appeal.
4. Hallways
An ADA-compliant hallway should be 60 inches wide for two wheelchairs to pass. Sixty inches are also required for wheelchairs to make a 180-degree turn.
It is best to keep hallways clear of any objects to ensure accessibility. However, you can still spruce up each space with paint, wallpaper and artwork. You might even hire an artist to paint murals.
5. Parking Spaces
Remember to create an accessible parking lot for tenants with disabilities. Designated spaces should be close to the door and clearly marked with proper signage. The ADA requires parking spaces to be at least 96 inches wide with a 60-inch aisle in between. There should also be no more than a 2.08% slope on every side.
Adding green spaces with palm trees, grass, and flowers can enhance the aesthetics of parking lots. Repaving the lot for a smoother, newly marked surface is another idea for blending accessibility and aesthetics.
Embrace Accessible Aesthetics at Your Condo Property
It's possible to make your condo property more accessible without losing its design appeal. Thoughtful furniture purchases, artwork, paint and greenery can significantly enhance the space. When making changes, consider what will make your property more attractive and safer to renters from all backgrounds.
Evelyn Long is a writer that specializes in housing market trends. She is also the founder of Renovated Magazine, where she writes essential resources for renters and homeowners. She has contributed to several other sites like the National Association of Realtors and Realty Executives.