Oklahoma Accessible Housing: New Construction Requirements Explained

If you are a renter in Oklahoma and need your home to be accessible, it’s important to know your rights about accessible apartments in newly built housing. State and federal laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA), set specific requirements for new construction. This article explains what those requirements mean for renters, how to request accommodations, and where you can get help if you face barriers.

What Is an Accessible Unit?

An accessible unit is a rental home that is designed or adapted to allow people with physical disabilities to use and enjoy it comfortably and safely. In new multifamily buildings (with four or more units and constructed after March 13, 1991), certain accessibility standards are required by federal law under the Fair Housing Act and applicable Oklahoma building codes.

• Accessible routes into and through the unit
• Wider doors and hallways
• Accessible light switches and thermostats
• Reinforced bathroom walls for grab bars
• Kitchens and bathrooms usable by people using wheelchairs

Buildings with an elevator must ensure all ground and upper floor units are accessible. Buildings without an elevator must make all ground floor units accessible.

Oklahoma and Federal Accessibility Laws

Accessible unit requirements for new construction in Oklahoma are based mainly on the federal Fair Housing Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may also apply to public housing and government-funded buildings. These laws work together to prevent discrimination and make housing accessible for everyone, regardless of ability.

• The Oklahoma Department of Commerce and the Oklahoma State Department of Health help oversee state compliance with building codes.
• The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) investigates complaints about accessibility violations.

Oklahoma tenancy law is governed by the Oklahoma Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, setting out basic landlord and renter responsibilities.^[1]

How Many Units Must Be Accessible?

In most new multifamily buildings (four or more units), federal law requires that all ground floor units (or all units if there's an elevator) be built to accessible standards. For buildings using federal funding, additional units may need to meet stricter standards under Section 504.

• Developers must also create common areas—like laundry rooms, mail areas, and lobbies—that are usable by people with disabilities.
• Accessibility covers entryways, security features, and all public or shared amenities.

If you're unsure whether your building should have accessible apartments, ask the property manager for details or contact a local housing authority for guidance.

Requesting Reasonable Accommodations

If your current or future rental unit does not meet your accessibility needs, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation or modification under the Fair Housing Act. Reasonable accommodations include changes to rules or policies (like a reserved accessible parking space). Reasonable modifications include permission to make physical changes such as installing grab bars or ramps.

• Landlords must consider and generally allow reasonable requests unless they would cause undue financial or administrative burden.
• For most modifications, renters may be responsible for the cost, but funding may be available for certain disabilities.

Official Accommodation Request Forms

• Fair Housing Complaint Form – HUD Form 903.1
  Use this form if your accommodation request is denied or ignored and you believe your rights have been violated. You can file it online, by mail, or by phone. Download HUD Form 903.1.
• Reasonable Accommodation/Modification Request Form (Local)
  Many landlords, city authorities, or public housing agencies in Oklahoma may offer their own request forms. Always check with your landlord or local housing authority. A typical example is available from the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency.

For example, if you use a wheelchair and need a ground-floor apartment, fill out the reasonable accommodation form and submit it to your landlord. If a written response is not provided in a reasonable time, follow up and consider making a complaint to HUD or your local authority.

What to Do If an Apartment Isn't Accessible

If your new or prospective apartment does not meet required accessibility standards, or your modification request is denied:

• Write to your landlord or property manager outlining the issue and your needs.
• If they do not respond or continue to deny your request, you can file a complaint with HUD.
• The HUD complaint process is free and can result in investigation and enforcement.
• For government-assisted housing, also contact the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency for support.

Who Handles Tenant Complaints in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma does not have a state-specific tenancy tribunal, but renters with accessibility issues should contact:

• HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (primary for federal law)
• Oklahoma Department of Commerce for building code concerns

Your local housing authority may also provide help and mediation services.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What kinds of buildings in Oklahoma must provide accessible apartments?
   All newly constructed multifamily buildings with four or more units must provide accessible features in all ground floor units (or all units, if there is an elevator).
2. Can my landlord deny a reasonable accommodation request?
   Landlords must approve reasonable accommodation requests unless it causes undue hardship or fundamentally alters how the business operates.
3. Do I need to pay for accessibility modifications?
   Tenants may be responsible for certain modification costs, but help or funding may be available for people with disabilities who cannot pay.
4. Who do I contact if my landlord refuses my request?
   Start by contacting HUD or your local housing authority for fair housing complaints related to accessibility.
5. Is there an official form to request accommodations in Oklahoma?
   Yes, you may use the HUD Form 903.1 for complaints, and many landlords/local authorities have their own reasonable accommodation request forms.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• New apartment buildings in Oklahoma must include accessible units by law
• You can make requests for modifications or accommodations at any stage of renting
• Help is available—government agencies like HUD and the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency can investigate your concerns

Knowing your rights ensures safer, more equitable housing. If you encounter barriers, resources are available to assist you every step of the way.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Fair Housing Office
• Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency (OHFA), including Accommodation Request Portal
• Oklahoma Department of Commerce – Community Development
• Oklahoma Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Full Text)
• Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services – Independent Living Services

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1. The Oklahoma Residential Landlord and Tenant Act governs residential tenancies in Oklahoma
2. Fair Housing Act Accessibility Requirements are enforced nationally
3. For direct federal accessibility law, refer to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

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