Landlord Accessibility Obligations: Disabled Renters’ Rights in England

If you rent a home in England and have a disability or a long-term health condition, you may need adjustments to your property to live safely and comfortably. But do landlords have to make these accessibility changes? This guide explains your legal rights, what counts as a ‘reasonable adjustment’, and how to request changes for better accessibility.

Understanding Disability Rights and Accessibility Adjustments

The Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful for landlords to discriminate against disabled tenants. This includes failure to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ that would prevent someone with a disability from being disadvantaged by features in the home or tenancy process.^[1]

• Reasonable adjustments can include changes to policies or procedures, like allowing a support animal, or small physical changes such as installing a grab rail.
• Landlords must consider these requests if you are disabled or have a long-term health issue.
• Major physical changes (like installing ramps or widening doors) might require landlord consent, and landlords are not always legally required to agree.

Guidance from the UK government makes clear that landlords can only refuse reasonable adjustments if there is a justifiable reason, such as safety concerns or high costs. The adjustments should be practical and help you overcome substantial barriers.^[2]

What Is a ‘Reasonable Adjustment’?

Under the Equality Act 2010, Part 4, reasonable adjustments:

• Must accommodate the needs of disabled renters
• Are usually made to communal areas or policies, not major structural features
• Depend on the property type, cost, effectiveness, and landlord’s resources

Examples of reasonable adjustments might include:

• Letting you install temporary handrails at your own cost
• Changing tenancy rules to allow an assistance dog
• Providing information or documents in accessible formats

If you need bigger changes (like widening doors or installing a stairlift), council funding or external grants may be available through the Disabled Facilities Grant. Landlords generally have the right to approve or decline permanent structural work, but their refusal must be for justified reasons.

How to Request Accessibility Changes

Ideally, make your request in writing to your landlord. Clearly explain your disability, why you need the adjustment, and suggest solutions. If possible, include medical evidence or a letter from your GP or occupational therapist to support your request.

If your landlord does not respond or refuses, you can take further action:

• Contact your local council’s housing team
• Apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant for financial help with adaptations
• Make a formal discrimination complaint (see below)

Relevant Official Forms and How To Use Them

1. Disabled Facilities Grant Application

• Form: Disabled Facilities Grant Form (local authority version, varies)
• Use: Renters who need funding for adaptations (e.g., ramps or bathroom alterations) apply via their local council.
• Example: If your landlord agrees to a stairlift but you can’t afford it, apply for the grant with proof of need. Apply through the official government portal.

2. Equality Act Complaint Process

• No standard form, but you can send a written complaint to your landlord. If unresolved, escalate to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) – Residential Property.
• Process: If you believe you’ve been discriminated against, provide written details and evidence of your request and any refusal.
• Example: If a landlord rejects a minor modification that wouldn’t damage the property, you can seek resolution via the tribunal system. See how to apply on the official site.

Always keep records of all communications, as you may need them if you escalate your request or make a formal complaint.

The Tribunal for Housing Complaints

In England, residential tenancy complaints, including equality and disability adjustments, are handled by the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). They provide guidance and hear cases on rights and obligations relating to property and tenancies.

1. Can I make changes to my rented home for accessibility if my landlord refuses?
   If your landlord refuses accessibility changes, you cannot legally carry out permanent or major changes without consent. However, if the change is reasonable and does not require structural work, you may have the right to challenge the refusal under the Equality Act 2010 or through the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).
2. Who pays for accessibility adaptations in a rented property?
   The tenant may be responsible for costs, but you can apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant from your local council. Landlords do not have to pay unless specified in your agreement, but they must not refuse reasonable minor adjustments without a valid reason.
3. What happens if I feel discriminated against due to a disability?
   If you believe your landlord is treating you unfairly because of your disability (for example, refusing a reasonable adjustment), you can make a formal complaint, seek help from your council, or escalate the issue to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).
4. Will requesting an accessibility modification affect my tenancy?
   It is against the law for landlords to evict or penalise you for making a lawful request for a reasonable adjustment under the Equality Act 2010. If you feel you are being treated unfairly, seek advice from support services or your local council.
5. How do I apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant?
   Contact your local authority's housing department and request their Disabled Facilities Grant application form. You can find more information and start the process via the official government website.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Renters

• Landlords in England must consider reasonable adjustments for disabled tenants but do not have to approve major works.
• Always put requests for changes in writing and keep records.
• You can access funding or complain to a tribunal if you face barriers to essential adaptations.

Knowing your rights gives you the confidence to request necessary changes and protects you from discrimination under English law.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Disabled Facilities Grant – Official application portal for financial help with adaptations.
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) – Tribunal handling tenancy disputes, including accessibility rights.
• GOV.UK Private Renting Guidance – Your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.
• Your local council housing team – Advice and support on housing and accessibility adaptations.
• Equality Advisory and Support Service – Helpline for discrimination and equality rights queries.

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1. See: Equality Act 2010 – Full Legislation (legislation.gov.uk)
2. Government guidance: Renting and disability: your rights (GOV.UK)

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