FHA Series
Explore models with basic accessibility features adaptable for future needs as required for multifamily housing covered by the Fair Housing Act.
View all FHA Series
Introduction to FHA
These products are part of the FHA Series – a collection of products engineered to meet specific design requirements for multifamily housing covered by the Fair Housing Act. This means showers and tub showers come reinforced and ready to accept grab bars now or later. Lower thresholds provide easy entry while ensuring water containment.
Want to learn more about the Fair Housing Act?
What is the Fair Housing Act?
The Fair Housing Act, or FHA, is a federal act in the United States intended to protect people from discrimination when renting, buying or securing financing for new multifamily housing. In conjunction with the Act, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development created a Design Manual to provide comprehensive information about accessibility and adaptability requirements which must be incorporated into the design and construction of multifamily housing covered by the Act.
What does this mean for bathrooms?
The covered units need to meet basic accessibility requirements and be adaptable to allow for modifications for use by people with disabilities. The bathroom guidelines found in Requirement Six of the Fair Housing Act Design Manual state that it is required to have reinforced bathroom walls to allow for future installation of grab bars, as well as a bathroom layout that is usable to people with mobility devices (such as a person using a wheelchair).
When does it apply?
The construction and design requirements of the Fair Housing Act apply to specific types of buildings and provide details to help assist architects and builders in determining accessibility and adaptability. The guidelines must be followed if the following statements apply to your situation:
- Was the building built for first occupancy after March 13, 1991?
- Is the building a covered multifamily dwelling?
- Is all of the finished living space in the unit on the same floor (single-story unit)?
Discover our FHA Products
New
Starting at
MSRP* USD$ 684.00
Starting at
MSRP* USD$ 1,170.00
Starting at
MSRP* USD$ 1,085.00
Starting at
MSRP* USD$ 980.00
Learn about the main points of the Fair Housing Act design guidelines
Alcove Shower
The shower must be at least 36" x 36" if it is the only bathing fixture in the dwelling unit.
Minimum reinforced areas for a shower: Reinforced area on all walls should start at least 32" from room floor and extend to a minimum height of 38".
Required Guidelines - Showers
Required Guidelines
A) Defined height for placement of grab bars: 33" - 36" from room floor to top of gripping surface
B) Grab bars must be able to withstand a load of at least 250 lb
C) Clear floor space required: minimum of 30" x 48", parallel and flush to the shower curb and aligned with the face of the control wall 1
D) In the bathtub, if there is no built-in transfer seat installed, then a grab bar is required 2
Recommended guideline
E) Additional reinforced area for vertical grab bar
1 - For bathtubs, this specification can change if there is a lavatory or a toilet beside the control wall.
2 - Aquarius's standard FHA units do not include a seat reinforcement area.
Alcove Tub Shower
Minimum reinforced areas for a bathtub: Reinforced area on the back wall should start at least 6" above the tub deck and extend to a minimum height of 38" from room floor, with a minimum width of 48". Reinforced area on the side walls should start at least 32" from room floor and extend to a minimum height of 38", with a minimum width of 24".3
3 - The Aquarius FHA Compliant Series units provide 28" of horizontal reinforced areas on the side walls to accommodate a 24" grab bar.
Required Guidelines - Tub Showers
Required Guidelines
A) Defined height for placement of grab bars: 33" - 36" from room floor to top of gripping surface
B) Grab bars must be able to withstand a load of at least 250 lb
C) Clear floor space required: minimum of 30" x 48", parallel and flush to the shower curb and aligned with the face of the control wall 1
D) In the bathtub, if there is no built-in transfer seat installed, then a grab bar is required 2
Recommended guideline
E) Additional reinforced area for vertical grab bar
1 - For bathtubs, this specification can change if there is a lavatory or a toilet beside the control wall.
2 - Aquarius's standard FHA units do not include a seat reinforcement area.
Grab Bars Options
The reinforced walls of Aquarius’s FHA Compliant Series offer versatility and peace of mind in grab bar placement, providing accessibility and optimal safety – for today and tomorrow.
Choose between the many available dimensions of our modern and stylish straight grab bars, featuring an easy to clean smooth surface. Select one of the three different colors offered to best suit your style: white, chrome or brushed nickel.
Customize any Aquarius FHA Compliant Series unit to best suit your desire for comfort and security with our selection of grab bar options that meet the 300 lb load requirements of ANSI A117.1.
