Accessible Rental Housing Requirements for New Construction in Alaska

If you’re a renter in Alaska with a disability, it's important to know about accessible unit requirements in new rental housing construction. Alaska law, along with federal regulations, ensures that certain new apartment buildings provide accessible units for people with physical and mobility impairments. This guide explains what those standards mean for renters, how to access official forms, and where to turn for support.

What Makes a Rental Unit Accessible in Alaska?

In Alaska, accessibility standards for new multifamily housing come mainly from federal rules under the Fair Housing Act and are enforced alongside Alaska's state and municipal codes. Generally, if an apartment complex has four or more units and was first occupied after March 13, 1991, specific design and construction requirements apply:

• Accessible entrances and routes into and through the unit
• Doors wide enough for wheelchairs
• Accessible light switches and outlets
• Reinforced walls in bathrooms for future grab bars
• Usable kitchens and bathrooms for people using wheelchairs

These rules help ensure that people with disabilities can enjoy equal access to housing in Alaska.

How Many Accessible Units Are Required?

While all covered ground floor units must meet accessibility standards, additional requirements can exist for buildings with elevators. State and federal law both apply. Alaskan landlords and developers must comply when constructing new buildings with four or more dwelling units. The requirements include:

• All ground floor units in walk-up buildings must be accessible
• All units served by elevators must be accessible
• Common and public areas must be accessible

Summary: The goal is to maximize the number of units that can accommodate renters with disabilities, especially in larger or newly constructed buildings.

Requesting Accommodations in a New Alaska Rental

If your building is covered and you need an accessible unit or a specific modification, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation.

How to Request an Accommodation

• You can make your request verbally or in writing, but written requests create a helpful record.
• Your landlord may ask for verification of your disability if it’s not obvious.
• Landlords must respond promptly and cannot unreasonably deny your request.

Official Forms for Requesting Reasonable Accommodation

• Alaska State Commission for Human Rights Housing Discrimination Complaint Form: Use this if you feel your rights have been violated or your accommodation request was unjustly denied. Find the form and filing information on the Alaska State Commission for Human Rights website.
  • Example: If a property manager refuses to install grab bars you need, submit this form to start an investigation.
• HUD Form 903.1 (Housing Discrimination Complaint Form): Use this federal form if your complaint concerns disability or accessible housing related to federal law. Download and instructions are available on the HUD housing discrimination complaint page.
  • Example: If your Alaska apartment’s common entrance isn’t wheelchair-accessible after you move in, you may use this form to complain to HUD.

Who Oversees Accessibility and Rental Rights in Alaska?

For most rental disputes, including those about accessibility, the official body is the Alaska Court System, which handles landlord-tenant cases. For discrimination or accessibility complaints, the Alaska State Commission for Human Rights investigates and enforces fair housing laws. Federal complaints go to HUD as noted above.

The main legislation protecting your right to accessible rental housing in Alaska is the Alaska Landlord and Tenant Act and the federal Fair Housing Act.¹

FAQ: Disability Accommodations in New Alaska Rentals

1. How do I know if my apartment building in Alaska must have accessible units?
   In general, if your building has four or more apartments and was first occupied after March 13, 1991, accessibility requirements most likely apply under state and federal law.
2. What can I do if my Alaska landlord denies my request for an accessible feature?
   You may file a complaint with the Alaska State Commission for Human Rights or HUD. Forms and steps are provided above in this article.
3. Do all new apartment buildings in Alaska need elevators?
   No, but if the building does have an elevator, all units served by the elevator must be accessible. Walk-up buildings without elevators require all ground-floor units to be accessible.
4. Is my landlord required to pay for accessibility modifications?
   If your need is reasonable and supported, landlords are generally responsible for making or allowing modifications in new, covered buildings.
5. Can I request more than what is built in to the accessible unit?
   Yes, you can request reasonable modifications or accommodations beyond the standard accessibility features, as long as they don’t cause undue hardship for the landlord.

Key Takeaways for Alaskan Renters

• Newly built rental buildings with four or more units in Alaska must provide accessible apartments and common areas under federal and state law.
• You have the right to request additional accommodations or modifications to support your disability.
• If your request is ignored or denied, you can file a formal complaint through state or federal agencies for free.

Review your building’s construction date and check with your landlord to confirm which laws apply.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Alaska State Commission for Human Rights – File discrimination complaints, including for accessibility issues.
• HUD Fair Housing Complaint Process – Guidance on federal accessibility rights and complaint filing.
• AlaskaLawHelp.org – Housing – Information, forms, and links for renters and tenants with disabilities.
• Alaska Court System: Self-Help Housing Forms – Resources for resolving landlord-tenant disputes, including eviction and habitability.

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¹ See: Alaska Landlord and Tenant Act; Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. § 3604; Alaska Human Rights Law AS 18.80

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