24 C.F.R. § 891.120
§ 891.120 Project design and cost standards. (24 CFR Part 891)
Operative Text
In addition to the special project standards described in §§ 891.210 and 891.310, as applicable, the following standards apply: (a) Property standards. Projects under this part must comply with HUD Minimum Property Standards as set forth in 24 CFR part 200, subpart S. (b) Accessibility requirements. Projects under this part must comply with the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (See 24 CFR 40.7 for availability), section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and HUD's implementing regulations (24 CFR part 8), and for new construction multifamily housing projects, the design and construction requirements of the Fair Housing Act and HUD's implementing regulations at 24 CFR part 100. For the Section 811 Program of Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities, see additional accessibility requirements in § 891.310(b). (c) Restrictions on amenities. Projects must be modest in design. Amenities not eligible for HUD funding include atriums, bowling alleys, swimming pools, saunas, and jacuzzis. Sponsors may include certain excess amenities, but they must pay for them from sources other than the Section 202 or 811 capital advance. They must also pay for the continuing operating costs associated with any excess amenities from sources other than the Section 202 or 811 project rental assistance contract. (d) Smoke detectors. Smoke detectors and alarm devices must be installed in accordance with standards and criteria acceptable to HUD for the protection of occupants in any dwelling or facility bedroom or other primary sleeping area. (e) Projects under this part may have on their sites commercial facilities for the benefit of residents of the project and of the community in which the project is located, so long as the commercial facilities are not subsidized with funding under the supportive housing programs for the elderly or persons with disabilities. Such commercial facilities are considered public accommodations under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act and must be accessible under the requirements of that Act. (f) Broadband infrastructure. Any new construction or substantial rehabilitation, as substantial rehabilitation is defined by 24 CFR 5.100, of a building with more than 4 rental units and funded by a grant awarded after January 19, 2017 must include installation of broadband infrastructure, as this term is also defined in 24 CFR 5.100, except where the owner determines and documents the determination that: (1) The location of the new construction or substantial rehabilitation makes installation of broadband infrastructure infeasible; (2) The cost of installing broadband infrastructure would result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of its program or activity or in an undue financial burden; or (3) The structure of the housing to be substantially rehabilitated makes installation of broadband infrastructure infeasible.
Section 891.120 establishes a set of baseline design and cost standards that apply to HUD-assisted supportive housing projects for the elderly and persons with disabilities. Projects must meet HUD Minimum Property Standards, federal accessibility requirements under the Rehabilitation Act, the Fair Housing Act, and the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards. The rule also limits luxury amenities eligible for HUD funding, requires smoke detectors in sleeping areas, permits on-site commercial facilities under specific conditions, and mandates broadband infrastructure in qualifying new construction or substantial rehabilitation projects funded after January 19, 2017.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators developing or rehabilitating projects under 24 CFR Part 891 § 891.120 generally ensure compliance with HUD Minimum Property Standards and all applicable accessibility frameworks before construction begins. Compliant sponsors keep project design modest, funding any non-eligible amenities—such as swimming pools or saunas—entirely from non-HUD sources, including their ongoing operating costs. Smoke detectors must be installed in all sleeping areas per HUD-accepted standards, and any new construction or substantial rehabilitation of buildings with more than four rental units funded after January 19, 2017 typically includes broadband infrastructure unless a documented exception applies.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Residents in projects covered by § 891.120 are entitled to housing that meets federal accessibility standards, HUD Minimum Property Standards, and smoke detector requirements in sleeping areas. If a tenant believes a project fails to meet these design or safety standards, they may raise the issue with the property's management, contact the local HUD field office, or reach out to a tenant-rights organization for guidance. Tenants with disabilities may also have additional protections under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Fair Housing Act, which are incorporated by reference into this provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 4, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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