HUD Handbook 4350.3 § 2-36
Building Standards (HUD Occupancy Handbook 4350.3 REV-1 CHG-4)
Operative Text
A. In making physical changes to dwelling units or to common areas, facilities, and
parking, owners:
1. Must follow the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS). (See
paragraph 2-26.); or
2. May depart from particular technical and scoping requirements of UFAS,
if they use other methods that provide substantially equivalent or greater
access to and usability of the building.
B. Tenant modifications to units must be done in accordance with paragraph 2-47.Section 2-36 of HUD Handbook 4350.3 REV-1 CHG-4 establishes the accessibility standards that govern physical changes to dwelling units, common areas, facilities, and parking in covered housing. Owners must generally follow the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS), though they may use alternative methods if those methods provide substantially equivalent or greater access and usability. Separately, any modifications made by tenants to their own units are governed by the requirements set out in paragraph 2-47 of the same handbook.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 2-36 of HUD Handbook 4350.3 REV-1 CHG-4, compliant property owners and managers ensure that any physical alterations to dwelling units, common areas, facilities, or parking conform to UFAS specifications. Where a specific UFAS technical or scoping requirement is impractical, operators document how their chosen alternative method achieves substantially equivalent or greater accessibility before proceeding. Owners also maintain a clear process for handling tenant-requested unit modifications in line with paragraph 2-47, keeping records of approvals and completed work.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 2-36 of HUD Handbook 4350.3 REV-1 CHG-4 means that when a property owner makes physical changes to your building—including common areas, facilities, and parking—those changes must meet federal accessibility standards under UFAS or a comparable alternative. If you believe alterations have been made that fall short of these standards, you may raise the issue as a concern with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or consult a tenant-rights organization familiar with federal accessibility requirements. If you are seeking to make modifications to your own unit, paragraph 2-47 of the same handbook governs that process, and understanding those provisions can help you know what requests are generally available to you.
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 30, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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