Disability Housing Grants for Renters in Northern Ireland

If you rent in Northern Ireland and have a disability, you may need to make changes to your home so it’s easier and safer to live in. A Disability Housing Grant is government funding to help disabled renters pay for these adaptations—such as installing ramps, stairlifts, or accessible bathrooms—so you can stay in your home and live comfortably. This guide explains what a disability housing grant is, how it can support you as a tenant, and what steps to take in Northern Ireland.

Understanding Disability Housing Grants in Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, the main grant available for disabled renters is called the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG). It is offered through the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE), which is the official government body responsible for housing support, adaptation and grants for renters.

What Can a Disability Housing Grant Pay For?

A Disabled Facilities Grant helps pay for essential changes to your rented home, including:

• Ramps, handrails, or wider doorways for wheelchair access
• Level access showers or bathroom adaptations
• Stairlifts or through-floor lifts
• Accessible kitchen adjustments
• Altering heating, lighting, or safety features for better accessibility

The aim is always to help you live as independently as possible.

Who Is Eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant?

You could be eligible if:

• You are a private or social renter (or homeowner) in Northern Ireland
• You or someone who lives with you is disabled
• The adaptations are necessary to meet the needs of the disabled person
• You have the permission of your landlord for the work

Your income and savings may be assessed, and some tenants might not have to pay towards minor adaptations. Larger works might require an income-based contribution.

How Do You Apply for a Disability Housing Grant?

The usual steps are:

• Contact your local NIHE office and explain your circumstances.
• Your GP or occupational therapist may need to recommend the adaptations.
• The NIHE will send a grants officer to assess your home and discuss options.
• With landlord permission, you’ll fill out the application form and submit it with documents (like proof of tenancy, proof of disability, and medical recommendations).

Important: Always get landlord consent in writing—ask your housing officer if you need help speaking to your landlord. Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse disability-related adaptations, but there are procedures to follow under the Equality Act 2010 as it applies in Northern Ireland.

What Official Forms Will I Need?

• Disabled Facilities Grant Application Form (NIHE) – This form starts the process for applying for help. Use it once you have an occupational therapist’s recommendation. It helps the Housing Executive process your case and check eligibility.

You may also need to provide supporting forms, such as your medical evidence or a landlord’s permission form. Your grants officer will confirm what’s needed.

Which Tribunal or Board Handles Disputes for Renters?

If you disagree with your landlord about adaptations or have problems with your tenancy (including discrimination or notice issues), the Rent Assessment Panel for Northern Ireland (Rent Tribunal) can help resolve disputes.

If you’re unsure about your rights or how to apply, contact your local NIHE office or a tenant advice service for support and to avoid delays getting the help you need.

Which Law Covers Disability Housing Grants?

For Northern Ireland, the main legislation is the Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1978, along with provisions of the Equality Act 2010 that support disabled tenants’ rights.

Step-by-Step: Applying for a Disabled Facilities Grant

• Speak to your local NIHE office or social worker.
• Arrange an assessment through your GP or occupational therapist.
• Get your landlord’s written permission for adaptations.
• Complete and submit the DFG Application Form with all supporting documents.
• The Housing Executive will consider your application and notify you of their decision.

Most grants are processed within a few weeks, but timescales can vary.

FAQs: Disability Housing Grants in Northern Ireland

1. What if my landlord refuses permission for adaptations?
   Landlords shouldn’t unreasonably deny changes needed for disability access. If there is a refusal, you can seek support from the Housing Executive and may be able to appeal to the Rent Assessment Panel, especially if discrimination is suspected.
2. Can I get a grant if I have a temporary disability?
   If adaptations are needed for an extended period, you may still qualify, but grants are usually awarded for permanent or long-term physical disabilities.
3. Do I have to pay back the Disabled Facilities Grant?
   You usually do not have to repay the grant as a renter, though homeowners may need to if they sell their property within five years. Renters simply benefit from the improvements.
4. Can both private and social renters apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant in Northern Ireland?
   Yes, both social housing tenants and private renters can apply, provided the other eligibility criteria are met.
5. How long does it take for my adaptations to be approved?
   Timeframes vary but expect a few weeks for assessment and approval, depending on how quickly documentation and permissions are provided.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• The Disabled Facilities Grant from NIHE helps disabled renters in Northern Ireland fund vital adaptations.
• Ask your GP or occupational therapist for advice and always get landlord permission in writing.
• Support is available from the Housing Executive, and you can raise disputes with the Rent Tribunal if needed.

Applying for a disability housing grant is a key step to making your home safer and more comfortable.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Northern Ireland Housing Executive – Disabled Facilities Grant information
• Find your local NIHE office for in-person support
• Rent Assessment Panel for Northern Ireland (Rent Tribunal) – for dispute resolution
• Housing Rights Service Northern Ireland – phone advice and support on tenant issues

---

1. NIHE: Disabled Facilities Grants official guidance
2. NIHE: Disabled Facilities Grant Application Form
3. Rent Assessment Panel for Northern Ireland (Rent Tribunal)
4. Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 (adaptations & grants)
5. Equality Act 2010: Disability Protection

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent, Deposits & Increases Tenancy Types & Agreements Moving In & Out Procedures Repairs, Maintenance & Housing Standards Eviction Notices & Repossessions Shared Housing, HMOs & Lodgers Discrimination, Harassment & Accessibility Utilities, Bills & Council Tax Affordable Housing, Social Housing & Benefits Dispute Resolution & Housing Tribunals Health, Safety & Fire Regulations Privacy, Landlord Entry & Surveillance Unusual & Special Tenancy Situations Renters’ Insurance & Liability Homelessness Support & Post-Eviction Help Landlord Duties, Licensing & Penalties Housing Law, Legal Updates & Case Studies Mental Health, Disability & Vulnerable Renters’ Rights Rent Repayment Orders & Compensation