The process of looking for your next home to rent can be challenging at times when you consider location, size, amenities, and your budget. But when you need to find an apartment that is handicap accessible with disability access, your search is more specific and you need to be sure you have the right search parameters and requirements to find the right apartment home for your next move. Here are some recommendations to help you in your search for the right apartment that will provide you with the disabled access that you need.

Look For Interior Features

One of the main reasons for your search is to find an apartment home that will give you the access you need for your specific needs. An apartment with disabled access is going to have features to accommodate a wheelchair and will be modified with different structural details. For example, the apartment you need will be a ground floor accessible unit and have a front access ramp instead of the presence of any exterior steps. If the apartment is on a second story, it should have access to an elevator and also provide handicap parking on the outside of the unit. The doorway into the apartment and all doorways through the unit need to be slightly wider at 32 inches than a standard doorway and its more narrow opening. 

The doorways within your next apartment will need to be wider, but this is not the only difference. Apartments that are ADA compliant will need to include grab bars in the shower or bathtub and also beside and behind the toilet. Electrical outlets should also be lower to allow easier access to them and doorknobs, faucets, and other hardware should be made of a single lever that is easy to grab and use.

Another detail inside the unit that will make it easier to maneuver through is the presence of solid surface flooring, such as tile, hardwood flooring, vinyl, or laminate. Carpeting inside an apartment will make it more difficult for you to get around inside your home.

Utilize Local Assistance Programs

To make your search easier, you can look into local and government organizations that provide assistance in searching for and securing disabled apartment homes. There are a lot of online rental search listings where you can include disabled access in your search, but using a local service or government agency that focuses directly on this search detail will help you navigate through the market and find the right properties specific to your needs.

For more information about disabled access apartments, reach out to a real estate agent.

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