Initial Sales of Type A Condominium Units

[questionasker]

In a new condominium development where 2% of dwelling units are required to be type A, are there any rules for how the type A units are initially marketed and sold? Is the developer under any obligation to "set-aside" the A units for a period of time so disabled buyers have the first opportunity to purchase them? Can the developer pre-sell the unit to someone that does not want the type A conditions and start modifying them immediately after inspection or a CO is issued?

I feel like I've seen these requirements spelled out in the past but am struggling to find a reliable source. It seems like it would defeat the purpose of requiring Type A units in the first place if they can be modified before a disabled person even has a chance to use them.

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

I don't have an answer to your question. What I can offer is that when I was working as an architect, while developers initially were resistant to building Type A units, once they were built they discovered that they sold faster than the standard and Type B units because able-bodied buyers appreciated the more generous maneuvering clearances.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

When my wife reserves a hotel room, she always asks for a handicap one even though we don't need one. I pisses me off. Even though I am officially handicapped because of a bad knee I don't need it.

 

[questionasker]

I don't have an answer to your question. What I can offer is that when I was working as an architect, while developers initially were resistant to building Type A units, once they were built they discovered that they sold faster than the standard and Type B units because able-bodied buyers appreciated the more generous maneuvering clearances.

Agreed - a lot of the resistance comes from a lack of understanding from developers and especially sales / leasing agents. With an aging population, you would think units with accessible features will only become more desirable in the future.

 

[Jean Tessmer-HI]

In a new condominium development where 2% of dwelling units are required to be type A, are there any rules for how the type A units are initially marketed and sold? Is the developer under any obligation to "set-aside" the A units for a period of time so disabled buyers have the first opportunity to purchase them? Can the developer pre-sell the unit to someone that does not want the type A conditions and start modifying them immediately after inspection or a CO is issued?

I feel like I've seen these requirements spelled out in the past but am struggling to find a reliable source. It seems like it would defeat the purpose of requiring Type A units in the first place if they can be modified before a disabled person even has a chance to use them.

Do you happen to know if the condominium development is covered under the Fair Housing Act? Four or more units?