It all depends on the building. Apartment buildings, for example, need only make the public areas (i.e., lobbies, communal ADA compliant bathrooms, ADA compliant kitchens), but don’t necessarily need to make modifications to the tenants’ dwelling areas, except by request. Buildings like hospitals, schools and malls must abide by compliance in almost all cases. And, although most buildings don’t require an elevator except where their height exceeds three stories, malls and airports must have them regardless. The experienced ADA contractors at National LRM can give you further direction as to what modifications you need to make to achieve compliance.

The Department of Justice’s ADA web site - www.ada.gov(link is external)The U.S. Access Board also produces a number of documents on a wide range of accessibility-related topics which can be found at: www.access-board.gov(link is external).  For example, check “Guide to Updated ADA Standards” at: http://web.archive.org/web/20130721160340/http://access-board.gov//ada/guide.html).

The title I employment provisions apply to private employers with 15 or more employees, state and local governments, employment agencies, labor unions, agents of the employer and joint management labor committees.

First, it’s just good business – customers can’t buy from you if they can’t get to you. Second, being ADA compliant will decrease your risk of fines and lawsuits – being proactive about changes can save you money. Doing work nationwide, we’ve found people are more litigious than ever, and it’s easier than ever to file time consuming, costly lawsuits for minor violations. Last, with variations between State and Federal laws, you can be in compliance locally and still be sued for noncompliance with Federal guidelines.

The ADA places the legal obligation to remove barriers or provide auxiliary aids and services on both the landlord and the tenant. The landlord and the tenant may decide by lease who will actually make the changes and provide the aids and services, but both remain legally responsible.