Fair Housing Act: Multistory Units and Townhouses

Fair Housing Accessibility FIRST Training Event

DATE: Tuesday, September 1, 2026

TIMES: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM (Eastern Time) – OR – 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM (Eastern Time)

Description:

This 90-minute Fair Housing Accessibility FIRST (FHAF) training provides a clear overview of when multistory units, townhouses, and carriage houses are required to meet the Fair Housing Act’s design and construction standards. Participants will learn how to distinguish covered from non-covered units, how elevator installation or access can trigger FHA obligations, and how coverage applies in buildings with a mix of single-story and multistory dwelling types. The session also explains common confusion points—such as the differences between multistory units, lofts, and carriage houses—and highlights practical strategies for determining when and how accessibility requirements apply. Real examples help clarify coverage scenarios and design implications for new construction.

An accessibility Subject Matter Expert (SME), Eric Contreras, will be available during the dedicated Q&A portion to answer design and construction accessibility questions.

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

  •  determine when multistory units and townhouses must comply with FHA accessibility requirements,
  •  apply FHA standards accordingly in designing and constructing these dwellings,
  •  distinguish between covered and non-covered multistory units, identify when accessibility standards apply,
  •  determine the circumstances under which an elevator triggers FHA accessibility requirements for buildings or specific dwelling units,
  •  differentiate between multistory units and lofts,
  •  recognize how each dwelling type is categorized and regulated, and
  •  explain how FHA requirements apply to buildings containing both multistory and single-story units, ensuring compliance with relevant accessibility standards.

This training offers:

  •  one hour of focused training on the Fair Housing Act
  • knowledge checks to strengthen memory and understanding
  •  30+ minute live Q&A session with accessibility expert Eric Contreras
  •  a download of all webinar materials in the participant workbook.

Each attendee who attends for 45 minutes or longer will receive a certificate of attendance. Certificates are also available for passing the final quiz.

Who Should Attend?

  • Architects and Designers
  • Contractors
  • Civil Engineers and Landscape Architects
  • Developers and Builders
  • Disability and Housing Advocates
  • Other Individuals interested in Fair Housing Accessibility

Note: This 90-minute training with be offered twice on September 1, 2026. Both sessions will include the same information.

Training Dates & Times:

Tuesday, September 1, 2026 | 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM Eastern Time

Tuesday, September 1, 2026 | 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM Eastern Time

The 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM training session includes ASL interpreters.

Register for Training:

Register for 10:00 AM (Eastern Time) Training

Register for the 2:00 PM (Eastern Time) Training

Format: Webinar using Zoom platform

Cost: Free

Fair Housing Accessibility FIRST Training Calendar

Web: hud.gov/hud-partners/accessibility-first-training

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