ADA-Compliant Housing: What Medical Patients Should Know
- 1 day ago
- 8 min read
For patients with disabilities or mobility needs, finding an ADA-compliant rental in Houston’s Medical Center area is critical. It starts with knowing the laws:
ADA vs. FHA:
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA) both protect housing rights, but in different ways. The ADA mainly ensures accessibility in public and commercial spaces (like hospitals, clinics, and public transit). The Fair Housing Act, on the other hand, covers most private housing rentals and sales. Under FHA, landlords must not discriminate against disabled tenants and must allow reasonable accommodations or modifications (e.g. installing grab bars). In practice, this means you can request necessary changes or even sue if a landlord refuses outright.
Design Standards:
New multifamily buildings (4+ units built since 1991) must include certain accessible features by law. These features include wider halls and doorways (at least 32 inches wide) for wheelchair access, at least one step-free (“zero-threshold”) entry per unit, and usable kitchens and bathrooms (space to maneuver a wheelchair, reachable counters and cabinets, etc.). However, most apartments for rent today are built to code, so many already have these basics. It’s still important to confirm specifics: ask if showers have low or ramped entries, if toilets have grab bars, or if the sinks and appliances are placed within reach.
Renting vs. Ownership:
If you plan to rent, the FHA applies directly, and many Houston complexes now advertise “ADA-compliant” or “accessible” units. In HOA-run developments or city-subsidized housing (like Section 8 or public housing), ADA standards also apply to common areas and certain units. Always ask the property manager about accessibility. If you need wheelchair clearance, confirm doorway widths (≥32 inches) and turning radius. For walkers or scooters, check that floors are level and any entrances have ramps or elevators.
Features of ADA/Accessible Apartments:
Entrance & Pathways: Level or ramped entry (no steps) to the building and unit. Automatic or easy-open doors. Wide hallways and doorways (at least 32 inches).
Bathroom: Roll-in or walk-in shower (no threshold), grab bars by the toilet and in the shower. High/low toilet seat, slip-resistant flooring, lever faucets.
Kitchen: Counters and sinks lowered or with clear knee space underneath. Open floor plan so you can approach appliances straight on.
Light Switches & Controls: Light switches, thermostats, and intercoms are placed lower (around 48″ from the floor) for reach.
Visual/Audio Aids: For those with hearing/vision disabilities, look for units with visual doorbells (flashing lights), large-print signage, and audible alarms. (These are less common, but some apartment managers may install them on request.)
Mobility Aids: Some medically-oriented housing can provide assistive devices. For example, Medical Accommodations advertises ADA and medical equipment availability. If you use a power wheelchair, ensure the building has a working elevator and/or that you can get a ground-floor unit.
Patient Rights and Accommodations
Even if a unit isn’t fully accessible at first, the law provides protections:
Reasonable Modifications:
Under the FHA, tenants with disabilities can request modifications to allow equal use. This might mean installing grab bars, a ramp, or handrails. You are responsible for paying for changes unless the landlord agrees to cover costs (some will, especially for long stays). However, the landlord can require you to restore the unit to its original condition when you move out. They also cannot deny your request without a valid reason.
Reasonable Accommodations:
Separate from physical changes, you can ask for policy changes. For example, if the lease forbids supporting animals, you can request an exception to keep a service/emotional support pet. A landlord can’t charge you extra or impose strict rules on service animals; federal law prohibits that.
How to Make Requests:
Put accommodations/modifications requests in writing, clearly explaining the disability-related need. Keep records of all communications. HUD’s brochure on reasonable modifications (available online) can guide you. If a landlord refuses, cite the Fair Housing Act or the Americans with Disabilities Act. Under the ADA, public housing authorities (like Houston’s Housing Authority) must provide accessible units in their programs.
Complaint Process:
If you encounter discrimination or denial of accommodations, you can file a complaint. The HUD toll-free hotline 800-669-9777 handles housing discrimination, or you can submit complaints online to HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. The Department of Justice also enforces ADA rules in housing. Locally, Disability Rights Texas (the state’s protection agency) can give advice or assist with claims. But usually, contacting HUD is the first step. It’s always best to try resolving it directly with the landlord first, as many issues can be amicably solved once they understand the rules and your needs.
Houston Resources & Programs
Houston offers several programs to help disabled or elderly patients find housing:
Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8):
The Houston Housing Authority and Harris County Housing Authority administer vouchers that help low-income families (including disabled or senior households) rent private apartments. These vouchers cover most of the rent, requiring the tenant to pay about 30% of their income. There’s often a waitlist, but some disabled applicants can get priority. Nearly one-third of voucher holders nationwide are disabled individuals. When searching, filter for complexes that accept Section 8. (Some properties are “project-based” vouchers, limited to specific buildings, often affordable housing developments.)
Section 811 Project Rental Assistance:
This HUD program provides long-term rental subsidies for very low-income disabled adults. It’s a bit limited, but it exists in Texas for qualifying individuals. (Ask housing counselors at Houston’s Center for Independent Living or a social worker if you’re eligible.)
Houston Mobility Services:
The Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC) runs transportation programs for people with special needs. For example, METRO’s paratransit services (called METROLift or Metro Curb2Curb) offer scheduled rides for mobility-impaired residents. Learn more at the Metro website they will confirm your eligibility and area coverage. Additionally, MD Anderson’s Patient Transportation service can help arrange rides between home and hospital (ask your nurse or case manager about this).
Local Nonprofits:
Organizations like the Center for Independent Living (HCIL) and Houston Lighthouse provide resources. HCIL (a city-funded center) offers housing navigation for seniors/disabled, and Houston Lighthouse (for the blind) operates affordable housing complexes in Southwest Houston. While these are not near TMC, they show that subsidized, accessibility-focused apartments do exist in the region.
Hospital Assistance:
MD Anderson (and other hospitals) often have social workers or patient advocates who know about local housing help. For instance, they might negotiate reduced rates with nearby hotels or connect you with charities. Always ask your discharging planner or doctor’s office: they may have a list of accessible rentals or transitional housing programs.
Examples of Accessible Units Near TMC
Specific communities around the Medical Center area that advertise accessibility include: Stella at the Medical Center, The Maroneal, Sync at Med Center, and Residences at Gramercy. These often have ADA units on request. For example, Residences at Gramercy offers select apartments with walk-in showers and roll-under sinks. Medical Accommodations itself lists several complexes with ADA features and can request specific modifications.
Stella at the Medical Center: Includes accessible apartments and is conveniently located next to MD Anderson.
Sync at Med Center: A newer building with elevators and some ADA units.
Residences at Gramercy: Known for wheelchair-friendly units (example: roll-in showers).
The Maroneal/Domain at Kirby: Larger complexes with elevators; some first-floor units and service counters at wheelchair height.
When inquiring, mention “ADA-compliant” or “wheelchair accessible” and describe your needs. Real estate listings often label ADA units, or call property managers to confirm. Many complexes also include accessible parking spaces near entrances.
What If Needs Are Not Met?
If you move in and find the unit lacking, take these steps:
Communicate Quickly: Contact the housing company or landlord at once. Explain your requirements (e.g. you need grab bars installed, or the bedroom to be on ground level). A good provider should accommodate you, especially in medical housing where they expect such requests.
Request Modifications: Formally ask for the changes. Put your requests in writing (email is fine). Reference that under the Fair Housing Act you have the right to request reasonable modifications for accessibility.
Seek Advocacy: If the provider is unhelpful, consider contacting an advocacy group. The Texas Fair Housing Act (a state law) also protects against discrimination. Disability Rights Texas can advise on legal options.
File a Complaint: As a last resort, file a complaint with HUD (fax, email or online form on HUD.gov). Provide details of your situation. HUD can investigate and mediate. This can take time, so try to resolve it directly first.
Remember, most patient-focused housing services WANT you to be comfortable. They often carry extra equipment or can swap you to a different unit. Don’t hesitate to speak up about your mobility needs; it's what they’re there to support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an ADA apartment look like?
Picture a regular apartment with special features. You’ll see wider doors and lower countertops, grab bars in the bathroom, and a roll-in shower or tub. These modifications make it usable for wheelchairs or walkers. Sometimes the floorplan is more open (fewer obstructions) so you can turn easily. The goal is barrier-free access at every stage from building entry to using the toilet. Many modern complexes have at least a few such units, especially on the ground floor or near elevators.
Is an ADA apartment the same as a disability-friendly or accessible apartment?
Yes, the terms are often used interchangeably. “ADA-compliant” specifically refers to meeting federal accessibility standards. A “disability-friendly” or “accessible” apartment simply means it has the features disabled tenants may need. In Houston listings, you might see “ADA unit,” “wheelchair accessible,” or “handicap accessible” to indicate this. Always ask to be sure the particular features you need are present.
Can landlords refuse accessibility changes?
They cannot flat-out refuse reasonable changes under the FHA. They may set conditions (like requiring you to pay for modifications and fix them later), but must allow them. The key is “reasonable.” Installing grab bars, shower seats, or moving appliances is usually reasonable. However, a landlord doesn’t have to knock down walls for you (unless legally required for a ground-floor new unit). If the landlord genuinely lacks funds or says the building isn’t suited, they should at least help you find another suitable unit or housing.
What if I need emergency transfers for mobility?
If you need an urgent move due to inaccessible housing (for example, becoming wheelchair-bound during treatment), contact MD Anderson’s patient housing office or social services. They can sometimes arrange short-term hotel stays or switch you to an available accessible unit in other housing. Hospitals often have contingency plans for such emergencies.
How do I find accessible rentals in Houston’s Medical Center area?
Start by contacting Medical Accommodations or similar patient-housing services. They vet properties and know which units are ADA-equipped. In larger apartment complexes near TMC many have a few designated ADA units. Online searches (and filters on sites like Apartments.com) can help, but it’s best to call and discuss needs. Also, reach out to the hospital’s case manager; they often have lists of known accessible options.
Finding the right place to stay during treatment is a top priority. As one satisfied guest put it, Medical Accommodations made “finding housing near MD Anderson simple and easy”. If you or your loved one is traveling to Houston for cancer care, reach out to Medical Accommodations. They specialize in short-term, fully furnished Houston medical apartments designed with patients in mind. Their team understands our unique needs, pet policies, flexible dates, shuttle service, ADA equipment and will work to find you a safe, clean “home away from home” near MD Anderson.
Secure your comfort today. Contact Medical Accommodations to browse available units near MD Anderson Cancer Center. Their compassionate staff can answer questions, show you ADA-compliant options, and ensure your next stay in Houston supports both your medical and personal needs.
