DJ 202-PL-169                            JUN 5 1992


Mrs. Hedy Schick
President
Sunrise East Homeowners'
  Association, Inc.
2333 Silver Oak Circle
Palm Springs, California 92264

Dear Mrs. Schick:

        This is in response to your letter requesting
information about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

    The ADA authorizes the Department of Justice to provide
technical assistance to individuals and entities having rights or
obligations under the Act. This letter provides informal
guidance to assist you in understanding the ADA's requirements.
However, it does not constitute a legal interpretation and it is
not binding on the Department.

        You inquire whether you are required to install ramps in
your condominium building for persons with disabilities.

        The ADA does not apply to strictly residential facilities.
However, the federal Fair Housing Act, as amended, also prohibits
discrimination on the basis of disability. That Act does not
require the Condominium Association to provide a ramp. However,
it does prohibit the Association from refusing to rent or sell to
a person with a disability and would require the Association to
permit the person with a disability to install a ramp at his or
her own expense. There are more extensive requirements for
providing accessibility in newly constructed multi-family
housing, including condominiums.

cc: Records Chrono Wodatch Magagna.pl.169 arthur T. 6/4/92
01-00892
SUNRISE EAST HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION, INC.

November 29, 1991

Ms. Irene Bowen
Department of Justice
Constitution Avenue & Tenth Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20530

Dear Madam:

I am the President of our condominium homeowners association
in Palm Springs, California, and would like to know the
following: Is it the law that we must install ramps for
disabled people?

From the information we have received from our local Building
Department it is not clear what the position is for an
established condominium complex and they suggested we contact
you. We have no disabled people living in our condominiums
at this time.

I would be grateful to receive an explanation from you at
your earliest convenience.
                                Sincerely,


                                (Mrs.) Hedy Schick
                                President
2333 Silver Oak Circle
Palm Springs, CA 92264
                                        Civil Rights Division
                                        Coordination and Review Section
                                        P.O. Box 86118
                                        Washington, D.C. 20035-ILLEGIBLE
01-00893
                                - 2 -
        There may also be state or local laws that have more
stringent requirements.

        I hope this information is useful to you.

                                Sincerely,


                                Joan A. Magagna
                                Deputy Director
                Office on the Americans with Disabilities Act
01-00894