On September 10, 2026, HUD issued Notice H 2026-06, removing Section 100-2.20 of Handbook 4910.1, which had required properties for the elderly with 20 or more units to provide an emergency call system in each bathroom and at one bed location in each unit. The change applies to elderly Multifamily projects subject to HUD’s Minimum Property Standards, including certain HUD-insured properties and Section 202 properties.
This brings Multifamily policy more closely in line with a change HUD had already made for Public Housing. In Notice PIH 2019-25, HUD clarified that there was no programmatic requirement for PHAs to install emergency call systems, including at properties serving elderly or disabled residents. Until now, however, elderly Multifamily properties subject to HUD’s Minimum Property Standards have remained subject to the emergency call system requirement.
HUD cited several concerns with the older requirement. Traditional pull-cord systems can be expensive to maintain, can create a false sense of security when they are not operational, and can result in inspection deficiencies when cords or systems do not meet HUD standards. HUD also noted that some owners have had difficulty obtaining commercial insurance due to liability concerns associated with these systems.
Under the new policy, owners may continue to provide and maintain an operable emergency call system, but HUD no longer requires one under the Minimum Property Standards. Inoperable pull-cord or other emergency call systems must be removed. If an owner chooses to remove an operable system, tenants must be notified in advance, and their comments must be considered. HUD also encourages regular welfare checks, particularly for residents who live alone or have limited mobility, when a functioning emergency call system is not available.
For owners of affected elderly properties, the change removes a longstanding federal minimum property standard while still allowing the maintenance of emergency call technology when it makes sense for the property and its residents.