Landlords’ Legal Duties for Property Accessibility in Northern Ireland

If you rent a property in Northern Ireland and have a disability, you may wonder if your landlord is required to make your home more accessible. This article explains your rights under current Northern Ireland law and what practical steps you can take if you need accessibility changes. We also cover how to request adaptations, what forms to use, and where to get help if you’re having difficulties.

Do Landlords Have to Make Accessibility Changes?

Landlords in Northern Ireland have specific responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (as amended for Northern Ireland). These laws make it illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants because of disability. But the rules around making physical changes ("reasonable adjustments") are slightly different for private and social landlords.

Private Landlords

Private landlords are not legally required to pay for structural adaptations (like installing ramps or widening doors). However, they cannot unreasonably refuse permission if you ask to make an adaptation at your own expense.^[1] They also must allow certain smaller changes and provide reasonable adjustments to services, such as allowing you to have an assistance dog.

Housing Associations and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE)

Social landlords have a greater legal responsibility. If you rent from the NI Housing Executive or a housing association, they are generally required to consider and often provide reasonable adjustments to make properties accessible for disabled tenants.

What Counts as a "Reasonable Adjustment"?

A reasonable adjustment can include:

• Providing information in accessible formats (large print, Braille)
• Letting you install grab rails or ramps (often at your own expense)
• Allowing service animals
• Permitting changes or aids funded through public grants

However, landlords are not required to make changes that would fundamentally change the property or put them at significant disadvantage. Each request is considered based on practicality, cost, the type of accommodation, and your specific needs.

Requesting Accessibility Changes: How to Start

Start by contacting your landlord in writing. Describe what adaptation you need and why. If you are in social housing, your landlord should have a formal process to handle requests.

Applying for Disability Adaptations Grants

Disabled tenants in Northern Ireland may be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant. This can help cover the cost of major adaptations—like stairlifts, adapted bathrooms, or wheelchair ramps.

• Form Name: Disabled Facilities Grant Application (NIHE Disabled Facilities Grant)
• When/How Used: Use this form if you need major adaptations due to disability. Submit it to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive; an occupational therapist may assess your needs. If approved, the grant can pay for improvements (with landlord consent if privately renting).

If your landlord refuses consent, they must have a valid reason—for example, if the changes would damage the property’s structure or value.

Your Rights: Challenging a Refusal or Discrimination

If your landlord unreasonably refuses an accessibility adaptation or discriminates against you because of a disability, you may have grounds for a complaint under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Social tenants can often appeal through their housing association’s complaints process or with the NI Housing Executive.

If the issue is unresolved, you can bring your case to the Residential Tenancies Branch/Small Claims Court (Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service). In discrimination cases, the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland can also assist.

Forms for Complaints and Tribunal Applications

• Small Claims/Residential Tenancy Application: Small Claims Court Form 1
• When/How Used: For renters disputing costs, damages, or accessibility decisions, complete this form and submit it to the Small Claims Court via the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service. It is commonly used if landlord negotiations have failed.

Legislation and Official Links

• Equality Act 2010 (UK-wide protections for disability)
• Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (as amended for Northern Ireland)
• Private Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Order 2006

For the full legal wording, always check the legislation listed above.

1. Can my landlord refuse my request for a disability adaptation?
   Generally, a landlord can't "unreasonably" refuse your request for adaptations, but they can say no if changes would damage the building or reduce property value.
2. Do I have to pay for accessibility changes myself?
   Private tenants usually pay themselves, but grants (like the Disabled Facilities Grant) are available. Social tenants may get adaptations covered by their landlord or grants.
3. What if my landlord ignores my reasonable adjustment request?
   Put your request in writing, follow your landlord's complaints process, and, if unresolved, contact the Equality Commission or make a claim to the Residential Tenancies Branch/Small Claims Court.
4. Which forms do I use to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant?
   Use the application available from the NI Housing Executive website. An occupational therapist assessment is often needed.
5. Who deals with private tenancy disputes in Northern Ireland?
   The Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service (via the Small Claims Court/Residential Tenancies Branch) handles disputes.

Summary: Key Takeaways for Northern Ireland Renters

• Landlords must not discriminate, but private landlords are not usually required to fund property adaptations.
• Social housing tenants have greater protection—and more help with accessibility changes.
• Always put adaptation requests in writing and learn about grant options like Disabled Facilities Grants.
• There are formal processes, forms, and support services to help you challenge discriminatory refusals.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Equality Commission for Northern Ireland – Disability Advice
• Northern Ireland Housing Executive – Disabled Facilities Grants
• Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service – Tenancy Disputes
• Housing Advice NI – Tenant Information

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1. See: Private Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Order 2006, Article 53
2. NIHE, Disabled Facilities Grant application guide
3. Equality Commission NI – Disability Law and Reasonable Adjustments

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