Real Accessibility Now (RAN) Project

HAI is now investigating area developments for compliance with Federal housing accessibility laws, which are intended to guarantee that new multi-family housing construction is suitable for persons with mobility impairments. New construction projects have been identified using a database called Reed Construction Connect, and through web-based searches.

When a development is still within the planning stages, an inspector is sent to the local building department to review the blueprints for compliance. When a new multi-family development has been identified after construction is complete, an undercover inspector is sent to the property to pose as a buyer and identify any compliance concerns. If concerns are noted, HAI is able to file a civil suit and/or a HUD complaint.

Although initially, blueprints were used to identify compliance concerns as a preliminary measure, subsequent physical inspections of the properties revealed a number of violations that could not be detected by reviewing the blueprints. In addition, the prevalence of non-compliant housing compared to compliant housing also demonstrated that physical inspections would be a more cost-effective and time-efficient use of resources.

Of ninety-two (92) multifamily development projects that have been identified to date, sixty-two (62) projects are either defunct, clearly beyond the statute of limitations, or in the early planning stage. Thirty (30) projects have been physically inspected. Of these, twelve (12) developments were identified as not subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, typically because the property did not provide elevator access. Of the remaining eighteen (18) developments, fourteen (14) were found to be in violation.

HAI is now reviewing another list of approximately two-hundred and fifty (250) developments using the Reed Construction Database. Additional inspections of these properties are being planned. 

If you know of, and/or have been harmed by, a recently constructed housing development, please CONTACT US.