Accessible Housing Buyer/Renter Questions

Entrance | Rooms | Bathrooms | Kitchen | Storage/Laundry | Outside

The following are questions to ask when buying or renting a home or apartment. Use these questions as a guideline for determining if a house or apartment will fit your needs. The questions are also helpful in deciding what home modifications are essential to complete before moving in to a new house or apartment.

Entrance

Are there steps to enter at all entrances?
How many?

Is there a ramp that you can independently use?

How wide is the front door?
Can you safely enter/exit?
Can you open the door independently?
Door handle too high/low?
Can you lock/unlock the door?
What type of lock?

Is the lighting at the front door adequate?

For apartments: Is the entrance door outside or inside the building?

Can you use the peep hole on your door?
Too high/low?

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Rooms

Can you operate the light switches?
Windows?
Shades?

What type of flooring is in:
Bedroom?
Hallway?
Bathroom?
Kitchen?
Living Room?

Is the lighting already in the residence adequate for you?

Can you safely reach the outlets?
Are there any 3-prong outlets?

Can you see/control the thermostat?

Can you open all of the doors in the residence?

Can you enter/exit and maneuver within each room:
Bedroom?
Bathroom?
Kitchen?
Living Room?

How many smoke detectors?
How do they alert you?

Is there a security alarm?
Can you easily operate it?

Hallways:
How wide are the hallways?
Is there turn around space?

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Bathrooms

Is the toilet accessible to you?
Can you reach the toilet paper?
Does it have a tub?
Shower stall?
Tub/Shower Combo?
Does the shower/bathtub have a detachable showerhead?
Grab bars?
Can you roll under the sink?
Reach and use the faucet?

Kitchen

Is there countertop space next to:
Stove?
Sink?
Microwave?

Can you reach all cabinet spaces (high and low)?

Do you have enough space to turn around (not backing up)?

Can you access/use the stove controls?
Microwave controls?

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Storage/Laundry

Can you open the closets?
Hang clothes in closets?

Where are the washer/dryer hook-ups?

Outside

Is there a patio or deck?
Can you access it?

Can you use the handle on door to deck?
The lock?

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