What to Ask When You Tour an Accessible Home

Start with the specific layout and movement questions

Before you step inside, ask whether the entrance has a ramp, a zero-step threshold, or stairs only. This matters because retrofitting an entrance is expensive and sometimes impossible depending on the lot. If there are stairs, ask whether a ramp can be added and who would pay for it — you, the landlord, or a modification program in your area.

Once inside, walk the hallway widths yourself if you use a wheelchair or walker. Ask the owner or manager: "What is the width of the main hallway?" and "Can I measure the doorways?" A standard doorway is 32 inches; most wheelchairs need 36 inches minimum. Ask about the bathroom doorway specifically, since that is often narrower than the rest of the home.

Ask where the light switches, thermostats, and electrical outlets are located. If you have limited reach, you need switches and controls between 15 and 48 inches from the floor. Ask about the kitchen layout: counter height, whether cabinets are reachable, and where the stove and refrigerator sit relative to the sink.

Key Takeaways

• Ask about entrance access first — whether there are stairs, a ramp, or a zero-step entry — because adding a ramp later is costly and sometimes impossible.
• Measure doorways and hallways yourself during the tour; a standard doorway is 32 inches wide, but most wheelchairs need 36 inches minimum.
• Ask where light switches, thermostats, and outlets are located, since you need controls between 15 and 48 inches from the floor to reach them independently.
• Request information about bathroom grab bars, shower or tub access, and whether the toilet height is standard or raised, because retrofitting bathrooms is difficult and expensive.
• Ask about parking, curb cuts, and pathways before you tour, so you know whether you can actually reach the entrance on your own.

Questions about the bathroom and water access

The bathroom is where accessibility breaks down most often. Ask whether grab bars are already installed near the toilet and in the shower or tub. If not, ask whether the walls are reinforced to hold them — not all walls can support grab bars safely, and adding reinforcement requires opening the wall.

Ask about the toilet height. Standard toilets are 15 inches; raised toilets are 17 to 19 inches. If you need a raised toilet and the unit has a standard one, ask who would replace it and at what cost. Ask the same about the shower or tub: can you enter it without stepping over a high edge, or is there a walk-in shower? If there is a tub, ask whether a shower chair or bench can fit inside it.

Ask where the sink is and whether you can roll under it in a wheelchair or sit down to use it. Ask about the medicine cabinet and towel racks — are they within reach, or mounted too high?

Parking, pathways, and getting to the door

If you use a vehicle, ask about parking before you tour the unit itself. Is there accessible parking on-site, and is it reserved for you or shared? Ask whether the parking space is level or sloped, and whether the path from the parking space to the entrance is paved and level. Gravel, grass, or uneven ground can be impossible to navigate in a wheelchair or with a walker.

Ask about curb cuts — the ramps that allow wheelchairs to cross from the parking area or street to the sidewalk. If there is no curb cut, ask whether one can be added and who pays for it. Ask about the path to the entrance: is it straight, or does it have sharp turns? Are there steps, and if so, how many?

If you use a service animal or mobility device, ask whether the building or complex has any restrictions on them. Some landlords prohibit certain breeds or sizes of animals, or limit the number of mobility aids allowed in common areas.

Questions about common areas and emergency access

If you are renting an apartment in a building with common areas, ask whether the lobby, mailroom, and laundry room are accessible. Ask whether elevators are present and working, and whether there is a backup plan if an elevator breaks — some buildings have no stairs, which means residents cannot leave if the elevator fails.

Ask about emergency exits and evacuation plans. If you use a wheelchair or have mobility limitations, ask how you would leave the building in a fire or other emergency. Some buildings have evacuation chairs or areas of refuge; others do not. Ask whether the building has a plan for residents who cannot use stairs, and whether staff are trained to help.

Ask about the intercom or buzzer system at the entrance. Can you operate it from a wheelchair or while holding a cane? Is there a video intercom so you can see who is at the door, or only audio?

Climate control and sensory access

Ask how heating and cooling work. Can you control the temperature in your unit, or is it set building-wide? If you have sensory sensitivities or temperature regulation issues, you need to know whether you can adjust your own thermostat. Ask where the thermostat is located and whether you can reach and operate it.

Ask about noise levels. Is the unit soundproofed, or can you hear neighbors through the walls? If you have hearing loss or auditory processing issues, background noise matters. Ask whether the building has a quiet hours policy and how it is enforced.

Ask about lighting. Can you control the brightness, or are lights on a timer or motion sensor? Ask whether natural light enters the unit, and whether you can block it with blackout curtains if you need to. If you have vision loss, ask about contrast — are door frames, stairs, and thresholds marked with contrasting colors or tape?

Modifications, costs, and landlord cooperation

Ask the landlord or manager directly: "What modifications have previous tenants made, and did you approve them?" This tells you whether the landlord is willing to work with you. Ask whether they have experience with tenants who have disabilities, and whether they have made modifications before.

Ask about the process for requesting a modification. Some landlords require written requests; others want to discuss it in person. Ask whether they charge for modifications, or whether they cover the cost. In many places, landlords must allow reasonable modifications at the tenant's expense, but the rules vary by state and locality.

Ask about the lease terms related to accessibility. Will the landlord allow you to install grab bars, ramps, or other equipment? Will they require you to remove them when you move out, or will they stay? Get the answers in writing before you sign.

Transportation and neighborhood access

Ask about public transportation near the unit. Are there bus stops within walking distance, and are they accessible? Do buses have wheelchair lifts or ramps? Ask about paratransit services — these are door-to-door services for people who cannot use fixed-route buses, and they vary widely by area.

Ask about the neighborhood itself. Are sidewalks present and in good condition, or are there gaps and uneven surfaces? Are there curb cuts at intersections? If you need to walk to stores, medical appointments, or other services, you need to know whether the neighborhood is navigable.

Ask whether the building or complex offers any services like grocery delivery, mail delivery to your unit, or on-site medical care. These can reduce the need to leave the building if mobility is limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring to a housing tour to check accessibility?

Bring a measuring tape to check doorway widths and hallway space. Bring a list of your specific needs written down so you do not forget to ask. If you use a mobility device, bring it with you — the only way to know if a space works is to move through it yourself. Take photos or video if the landlord allows it, so you can review the layout later.

Can I ask the landlord to make modifications before I move in?

Yes, you can ask. Some landlords will make modifications as a condition of renting to you; others will not. Ask in writing and keep a copy. In many states, landlords must allow reasonable modifications at the tenant's expense, but they can refuse if the modification would be too costly or would damage the unit permanently. The rules depend on your state and local laws.

What if the unit is not accessible but I really like it?

Ask yourself honestly whether you can live there safely and independently. If you cannot reach the bathroom, operate the thermostat, or enter the building without help, the unit is not accessible for you, no matter how much you like it. Inaccessible housing often costs more in the long run because you end up paying for help with tasks you could do independently in an accessible space.

Should I disclose my disability to the landlord before touring?

You do not have to disclose before the tour, but some people do so the landlord knows why they are asking specific questions. If you disclose, do it in writing and keep a copy. Landlords cannot refuse to rent to you because of a disability, but they can refuse if they genuinely cannot make the unit accessible. Knowing your rights in your state helps you recognize whether a refusal is legal.

What questions should I ask about service animals or mobility devices?

Ask whether the building allows service animals and whether there are any restrictions on size, breed, or number. Ask the same about mobility devices like wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, and canes. Ask whether there are any fees or deposits related to a service animal. Get the answers in writing, because "no pets" policies do not apply to service animals under federal law, and landlords sometimes do not understand the difference.