Reasonable Adjustments in Housing: What England Renters Need to Know

If you rent your home in England and live with a disability, mental health condition, or other vulnerability, you have specific rights when it comes to your housing. Understanding reasonable adjustments can help you secure fair treatment and support from your landlord, especially during times of rent increases, repairs disputes, or possible eviction. This article breaks down what ‘reasonable adjustments’ mean, who’s protected, and how to seek them.

Understanding Reasonable Adjustments in Housing

Under the Equality Act 2010, landlords and housing providers in England are required to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ for disabled renters. This means they must take steps to remove barriers that could disadvantage someone with a disability or certain health conditions compared to non-disabled people.

• Reasonable adjustments include physical changes (like installing ramps) or changing policies (such as altering communication methods).
• All types of disabilities and long-term conditions are covered — including physical, mental health, and learning disabilities.
• The law covers both social housing and private rented accommodation.

Examples of Reasonable Adjustments

• Giving extra time to respond to notices or letters
• Allowing assistance animals
• Permitting adaptations like grab rails (with proper consent)
• Providing documents in accessible formats (e.g., large print)
• Changing how rent payment is managed to support a mental health condition

How to Request a Reasonable Adjustment

It’s best to make your request in writing to your landlord or letting agent. Be clear about the adjustment you need and why. You don’t have to disclose your full medical history, but explaining how your disability affects you can help.

• Attach supporting evidence when possible (for instance, a letter from your GP or support worker).
• Landlords must consider your request but can refuse if it’s not ‘reasonable’ (for example, if it would create significant disruption or costs).
• If refused, your landlord should provide a clear explanation.

Useful Forms and Official Steps

There is no single, universal form for requesting a reasonable adjustment in private or social housing in England, but you can:

• Use your local council’s housing department contact forms to alert them if your landlord is not cooperating.
• For social housing, the Request for a Reasonable Adjustment (template letter) on GOV.UK can guide your written request.
• If your home needs physical changes, you may apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant. Your local council will provide the application form and advice.

Always keep copies of communication and evidence. This can help if you need to escalate your request or apply for formal intervention.

If a Landlord Refuses: Complaints and Tribunals

If your landlord refuses a reasonable adjustment without good reason, you can escalate the matter.

• Raise a formal complaint with your landlord first.
• If unresolved, contact your local council’s housing team, who can intervene in some circumstances.
• You can pursue action at the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber), which handles disputes between tenants and landlords in England.

Claims relating to discrimination (such as refusal to make adjustments) may be taken to the County Court under the Equality Act 2010. Specialist advice is recommended for legal cases.

Relevant Legislation in England

• Equality Act 2010 – sets out duties about reasonable adjustments
• Housing Act 1988 – main law for private renting in England
• Tenancy agreements may also specify relevant procedures

Landlords are not normally required to make physical changes to common areas in a block of flats unless it is ‘reasonable’ and supported by grants or funding.

FAQ: Reasonable Adjustments in Housing (England)

1. Can my landlord refuse a reasonable adjustment?
   Landlords must consider your request but can refuse if the adjustment isn’t ‘reasonable’ (for example, if it’s too expensive or structurally unsafe). They must justify a refusal.
2. Do I need to pay for adjustments in my rented home?
   Often, tenants are responsible for the cost of some adjustments, but grants like the Disabled Facilities Grant may be available through your local authority. Always discuss who pays before work starts.
3. What if my mental health makes it hard to manage letters or forms?
   You can ask your landlord for communications in a more accessible format or to give extra response time — these counts as reasonable adjustments for mental health.
4. Can I be evicted because I asked for a reasonable adjustment?
   It is unlawful for a landlord to evict you purely for requesting a reasonable adjustment. If you are threatened with eviction, seek urgent advice from your council or support services.
5. Where do I go if my landlord ignores my request?
   Try a formal written complaint, then escalate to your local council. For unresolved disputes, approach the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) or County Court for discrimination claims.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• If you’re disabled or vulnerable, you have the right to ask for reasonable changes in your rented home in England.
• Always request adjustments in writing and keep evidence.
• Support, grants, and official complaints routes are available if your landlord does not cooperate.

Understanding and using these rights can make your living situation safer and more secure. Expert advice is available if you need help navigating your options.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Disability rights and reasonable adjustments (GOV.UK)
• Discrimination and reasonable adjustments in private renting
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) — for housing disputes
• Find your local council’s housing team
• Disabled Facilities Grant — for funding home adaptations

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1. Equality Act 2010
2. Housing Act 1988 (England and Wales)
3. First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)
4. Disabled Facilities Grant
5. Request for a Reasonable Adjustment (government template letter)

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