condo rules for handicap ramp for Pa

[oxford123]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? pa

A condominium owner recently requested a handicap ramp be installed from the parking lot of the community to her front door. This is about 25 feet. My question is who is responsible for the installation? Where can I find the rules? What type of specifications do they (or us) need to follow? Thank you for any help.

 

[DeenaCA]

The federal Fair Housing Act requires HOAs to permit "reasonable modifications" required due to a disability. Here's an excerpt from the Act (42 U.S. Code 3604(f)(3)):

For purposes of this subsection, discrimination includes—
(A) a refusal to permit, at the expense of the handicapped person, reasonable modifications of existing premises occupied or to be occupied by such person if such modifications may be necessary to afford such person full enjoyment of the premises

My question is who is responsible for the installation?

The person requesting the ramp is responsible for the expense. In many areas, there are local advocacy groups that build and install ramps at no charge to the disabled person.

Where can I find the rules?

42 U.S. Code 3604: United States Code: Title 42,3604. Discrimination in the sale or rental of housing and other prohibited practices | LII / Legal Information Institute.
Here is the current HUD/DOJ guidance on reasonable modifications: http://www.hud.gov/offices/fheo/disabilities/reasonable_modifications_mar08.pdf.

What type of specifications do they (or us) need to follow?

See Q & A #21 in the HUD/DOJ guidance. The HOA may require that the person requesting the ramp obtain any necessary permits, and may require that the work be done in a "workmanlike manner".

 

[HomeGuru]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? pa

A condominium owner recently requested a handicap ramp be installed from the parking lot of the community to her front door. This is about 25 feet. My question is who is responsible for the installation? Where can I find the rules? What type of specifications do they (or us) need to follow? Thank you for any help.

**A: the Board should hire an attorney to review the request as it may be beyond the HOA reasonable accomodation statute.