Q. I own a condo in Hollywood, Florida. It is approximately 50-60 years old. All told, there are seven commercial units within the building and around 260 residential units. We are NOT remodeling the building. We want to follow all the necessary guidelines, but is it mandatory that we put in a handicap ramp? Some residents seem to think so.

                  —Curious in Coconut Creek

A. “The condominium is neither a commercial condominium, nor a hotel condominium, thus is not a place of 'public accommodation' pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act,” according to Russell M. Robbins, managing partner with the law firm of Mirza Basulto & Robbins, LLP in Coral Springs.

“If the association is renovating or remodeling they would be required to bring the affected areas up to code.

“An individual resident may request a reasonable accommodation under federal law, however the association is not required to pay for the improvement. If an owner was willing to pay for the improvement for their use and enjoyment of the premises, the association would likely have no choice but to permit the reasonable accommodation.”