Communication Adjustments for Deaf and Blind Tenants in England

Being deaf or blind should not stop you from getting clear information about your tenancy, repairs or legal notices. This guide explains how tenants in England can ask for communication adjustments from landlords, agents or tribunals, what counts as a reasonable adjustment, and steps to follow if requests are refused. It shows practical examples — such as asking for letters in large print, email summaries, British Sign Language interpreters for meetings, or tactile formats — and explains how to document requests, which official forms or applications you may need, and where to get help. Use this information to make requests clearly, keep records, and protect your rights under housing and discrimination laws.

What are communication adjustments?

Communication adjustments are changes to how information is given so that a tenant who is deaf or blind can access it. Landlords and agents must consider reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act and related guidance. See official guidance for disabled people on how rights work in practice and examples of adjustments that are likely to be reasonable (GOV.UK guidance)^[1].

Who is responsible and what law applies?

For private rented housing, tenancy matters are governed by housing law such as the Housing Act 1988 and related rules, while discrimination duties come from the Equality Act. Both sets of law affect how a landlord should respond to reasonable adjustment requests. If you cannot agree with your landlord, the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) can decide some housing disputes and handle related requests and applications (First-tier Tribunal)^[3].

How to make a clear request

• Contact your landlord or letting agent by phone if urgent, then follow up in writing or email so there is a record.
• Put the request in writing (letter or email) describing the specific adjustment you want and why it helps; include dates and preferred formats.
• Attach or offer supporting evidence, such as a note from a care professional or a short statement explaining your communication needs.
• Ask for a reasonable timescale for a response and suggest how the change could be implemented in day-to-day tenancy matters.

If the landlord agrees, confirm the arrangement in writing and keep copies. If they refuse or ignore your request, explain why you think the change is reasonable and refer to your rights under the Equality Act and housing law. If that still fails, you can escalate to a formal application or complaint.

Forms and applications to know about

• Request for reasonable adjustments and related application guidance on the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) website — used when you need a tribunal decision about a landlord’s refusal. See the tribunal pages for how to apply and what evidence to submit (First-tier Tribunal applications)^[3].
• Application to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for a residential property dispute — use this when a communication adjustment dispute overlaps with possession, service of notices or deposit issues; follow the tribunal guidance on completing and submitting an application.

What to include when asking for adjustments

• State the adjustment you need (for example, "I need written notices in large print" or "I need a BSL interpreter for inspection appointments").
• Explain how the adjustment helps you to participate in tenancy matters and give any supporting evidence.
• Propose reasonable timescales and practical steps for how the landlord can deliver the adjustment.

FAQ

Can my landlord ignore a request for communication adjustments?

They should not ignore a reasonable request; landlords are required to consider reasonable adjustments and to respond. If a landlord refuses without good reason, you may escalate to the First-tier Tribunal or seek other remedies.^[3]

Do I need medical proof to ask for adjustments?

Not always. A clear explanation of your needs is usually enough, but a supporting note from a GP, specialist or support worker can strengthen your request if the landlord asks for evidence.

How long will a tribunal take to decide?

Timescales vary but tribunals aim to list hearings as soon as reasonably possible; provide availability and any time-sensitive reasons in your application so the tribunal can consider urgency.

How-To

1. Contact your landlord or agent to explain the adjustment you need and ask for agreement in writing.
2. Send a dated written request (email or letter) that describes the adjustment, the reason and any supporting evidence to create a record.
3. Keep copies of all correspondence and logs of phone calls or meetings; note dates, times and outcomes.
4. If the landlord refuses, apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) with your records and request a decision on reasonable adjustments.

Key Takeaways

• Always make requests in writing and keep dated records of every contact.
• Start by asking your landlord politely; escalate to the tribunal only after reasonable attempts to resolve the issue.

Help and Support / Resources

• [1] GOV.UK: Your rights if you are disabled
• [2] GOV.UK: First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)
• [3] Legislation.gov.uk: Housing Act 1988

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1. [1] GOV.UK: Your rights if you are disabled
2. [2] Legislation.gov.uk: Housing Act 1988
3. [3] GOV.UK: First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)