Ohio Accessible Apartment Rules for New Construction

Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Ohio published: June 21, 2025 Flag of Ohio

If you are a renter living with a disability or need accessible housing in Ohio, it’s important to understand your rights and what landlords must provide—especially when it comes to new apartment buildings. Ohio follows both federal and state requirements to ensure new rental units include accessible features for people with disabilities.

Accessible Unit Requirements in Ohio New Construction

Newly built multifamily housing in Ohio must meet legal standards for accessibility. These rules help ensure that people with disabilities have equal opportunity to enjoy rental housing.

Which Buildings Must Comply?

  • Buildings with four or more units built for first occupancy after March 13, 1991
  • Applies to apartments, condos, and some townhomes
  • Both state law and the federal Fair Housing Act require accessible features in these buildings

Key Accessibility Features Required

  • Accessible entrances and common areas (such as lobbies, laundry, mail rooms)
  • Usable doors and passageways (wide enough for wheelchairs)
  • Accessible routes in and through the apartment unit
  • Light switches, electrical outlets, thermostats, and other controls at reachable heights
  • Reinforced bathroom walls for grab bars
  • Kitchens and bathrooms designed so a person using a wheelchair can move around

These features are based on the Ohio Building Code, Chapter 11, which follows the federal accessibility guidelines.[1][2]

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Renters’ Rights and Requesting Additional Accommodations

If the standard accessible features do not meet your needs, Ohio law allows you to request reasonable accommodations from your landlord. This may include additional grab bars, lower counters, or modifications to parking spaces.

  • Your landlord must consider these requests—even in buildings not covered by new-construction laws
  • You may be responsible for the cost if it’s a modification to your individual unit (such as widening a doorway), unless the building receives federal funding
  • Landlords can require you to restore the unit to its original state when you move, but must allow the modification during your tenancy
Contact your landlord in writing with a specific description of the accommodation you need. You may be asked to verify your disability, but cannot be asked for medical details or diagnoses unless your need is not obvious.

Official Forms for Reasonable Accommodation or Modification Requests

  • Form Name: Reasonable Accommodation/Modification Request (No specific state form number)
    When to Use: Use when asking your landlord for changes to your unit or building (for example: requesting a wheelchair ramp or a lower peephole).
    How to Use: Write a letter or fill out your landlord’s form (if provided). Sample language and more information are provided by the HUD-DOJ Joint Statement on Reasonable Accommodations.

There is no standardized Ohio state form, but you can use templates or follow guidance from federal agencies.[3]

How to File a Fair Housing Complaint in Ohio

If you experience discrimination or your landlord refuses to meet accessibility requirements, you can file a complaint.

Most complaints in Ohio go through the OCRC. You may also file complaints directly with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Legislation Governing Disability Accommodations in Rental Housing

These laws work together to protect tenants’ rights and ensure fair access to housing for people with disabilities.

FAQ: Accessible Housing in Ohio

  1. What makes a unit 'accessible' under Ohio law?
    An accessible unit must have features such as a step-free entrance, wider doors, reachable outlets, and bathrooms that can be used by someone with a disability. These requirements follow the standards set by the Fair Housing Act and Ohio Building Code.
  2. Are all new apartments in Ohio required to have accessible units?
    New residential buildings with four or more units must include accessible features, but not every single unit has to be fully accessible. Some features must be included in common areas and in units on the ground floor or in elevators.
  3. How can I request a disability accommodation as a renter in Ohio?
    Make a request in writing to your landlord, explaining what changes you need. You can use a template letter or follow guidance from the HUD-DOJ Joint Statement (see Resources below).
  4. If my landlord refuses my accommodation request, what can I do?
    You can file a discrimination complaint with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC) or HUD if you believe your rights have been violated.
  5. Who oversees disputes between renters and landlords in Ohio?
    The Ohio Civil Rights Commission handles fair housing complaints. For general landlord-tenant disputes, courts of common pleas in each county also handle cases.

Conclusion: What Renters Should Remember

  • New multifamily buildings in Ohio must include accessible features under both state and federal law
  • Renters can request additional accommodations or modifications as needed
  • The Ohio Civil Rights Commission is the official agency for enforcing fair housing laws and handling complaints

Knowing your rights about accessibility can help you secure safe and comfortable housing for yourself and your family. If you have questions or encounter issues, reach out to the official agencies listed below.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

  1. Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988
  2. Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 4101:1-11-01: Accessibility
  3. HUD-DOJ Joint Statement on Reasonable Accommodations

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights USA

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for renters everywhere.

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