Meanwhile, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development maintains housing for the disabled and elderly that are low-income and need living assistance. HUD provides capital to living facilities which function as a home for the elderly and also maintains stringent safety and habitability standards. HUD agents can inspect a facility at any time and will issue stringent fines and penalties if buildings do not meet safety standards. State safety guidelines can add to or expand upon federal guidelines, but cannot limit federal protections.
HUD Authority
HUD is involved in the safety of elderly housing through its Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program. This program provides capital for living facilities which accep low-income elderly tenants that are able to live independently but may need help with cleaning, cooking or transportation. The facility must follow HUD safety laws and maintain criteria set by Congress. Just private, nonprofit entities are eligible for this application. Facilities not engaging under this program are still heavily regulated by state law.
Blog and Exterior
HUD-regulated nursing homes must maintain a safe outside free from abandoned vehicles, dangerous walks or steps, poor drainage, septic tank back-ups, sewer hazards, excessive accumulations of rubbish, vermin or rodent infestation or fire hazards. The building’s exterior must have working drainage, sufficient lighting and a solid structure. Roofs, walls and windows must all be sound and in great working order.
Dwelling Units
All components in HUD-regulated housing must include at least one battery-operated, functional smoke detector. All must have hot and cold running water, functional plumbing, lighting and working electricity. If the facility has a call-for-aid button in the restroom, it must always be in working order. Bathrooms have to be clean and functional and all structural regions, such as walls, doors and stairs, must be in good repair.
Common Areas
Common areas usually incorporate the basement/garage/carport, restrooms, closets, utility, community or mechanical rooms, day care, halls/corridors, stairs, kitchens, laundry rooms, office, porch, patio, balcony, and trash collection areas. These regions should all be free from safety hazards and in good repair. Working smoking sensors are required in all common areas. All areas of HUD housing for the elderly must maintain air quality criteria, have working fire exits which aren’t blocked and cannot have evidence of infestation or mold.