Reasonable Adjustments for Renters in Northern Ireland

If you are renting in Northern Ireland and have a disability or mental health condition, you have important rights when it comes to making your home accessible and suitable for your needs. The law protects your right to request reasonable adjustments – changes or adaptations to the property or the way things are done – to help you enjoy your home on the same basis as others. Understanding these rights can empower you to live more independently and confidently in your rented accommodation.

What Are Reasonable Adjustments?

Reasonable adjustments are changes made to your home or to the usual procedures to accommodate your disability or health condition. Landlords or letting agents must consider these requests under the Equality Act 2010 (as it applies in Northern Ireland, via the Disability Discrimination Act 1995) and the Disability Discrimination (NI) Order 2006.¹

Examples of Reasonable Adjustments

• Allowing guide dogs or assistance animals when pets are usually not permitted
• Supporting physical changes such as installing ramps or stairlifts
• Altering tenancy procedures, e.g., providing communications in accessible formats
• Permitting minor adaptations to bathrooms or kitchens

Adjustments must be ‘reasonable’. This means they won’t cause disproportionate burden or major disruption to the landlord, other tenants, or the property.

Your Rights Under Northern Ireland Law

Under the Disability Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 2006, housing providers – including private and social landlords – have a legal duty to consider and, where feasible, make reasonable adjustments for disabled tenants.² The NI Direct Government Service provides official information on this duty and how it applies.

How to Request a Reasonable Adjustment

1. Contact your landlord or property manager in writing, explaining what adjustment you need and why.
2. Provide evidence of your disability or health condition, such as a doctor’s letter.
3. Request a written response from your landlord, ideally within a reasonable timeframe (usually a few weeks).

If your landlord refuses or does not respond to your request, you may have the right to challenge this via the official tribunal for housing disputes in Northern Ireland – the Tribunal Service Northern Ireland.

Official Forms: Applying for Housing Adaptations

• Housing Executive (NIHE) - Application for Adaptations
  Housing Adaptation Application Form³. Use this form if you are in social housing and need adaptations (like ramps, grab rails, or accessible bathrooms). For example, a tenant with mobility needs would complete this form to request a stairlift installation.
• Disabled Facilities Grant – Application Form
  Disabled Facilities Grant Application. This grant can help tenants in both social and private rented accommodation pay for necessary adaptations. For example, a private renter needing widened doorways should submit this form to seek financial assistance with the work.

When applying, attach relevant medical evidence and ensure all sections are completed accurately. Your landlord will be consulted as works usually need their approval. If you need help, contact the NI Housing Executive or your local Citizens Advice office.

What If My Landlord Refuses My Request?

Landlords can only refuse a reasonable adjustment if they have a valid reason, such as:

• The change would cause significant disruption to the property or other tenants
• It would cost too much relative to their resources
• It would breach planning or building regulations

The law aims to balance the rights of both tenants and landlords, ensuring everyone is treated fairly.

FAQ: Reasonable Adjustments in Housing (Northern Ireland)

1. Can my landlord refuse all requests for reasonable adjustments?
   Only if the request is not reasonable (for example, due to cost or property restrictions). Landlords must justify any refusal in writing. You have the right to challenge an unreasonable refusal.
2. Do I have to pay for housing adaptations myself?
   Some basic adjustments may be provided for free in social housing, or you may qualify for the Disabled Facilities Grant. Check your tenancy type and contact the NI Housing Executive for details.
3. Are pets considered a reasonable adjustment for mental health?
   Registered assistance animals (including emotional support animals with evidence) are often a reasonable adjustment, even where pets are usually not allowed.
4. What if my landlord simply ignores my request?
   If you have made a written request and provided medical evidence, you should follow up in writing again. If no response is received, contact the Equality Commission or Tribunal Service Northern Ireland for advice.
5. Does this apply to both private and social housing?
   Yes. Both private landlords and social landlords (such as the NI Housing Executive) must consider requests for reasonable adjustments under disability law.

Key Takeaways for Renters in Northern Ireland

• You have legal rights to request reasonable adjustments if you have a disability or mental health condition
• Official forms and support are available for requesting adaptations in both private and social housing
• Landlords must provide a legitimate reason for refusal and you can challenge unfair decisions at the Tribunal Service Northern Ireland

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• NI Housing Executive – Adaptations Information
• Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (advice & support)
• Citizens Advice Northern Ireland (free, impartial advice)
• Tribunal Service Northern Ireland (complaints and disputes)

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1. Equality Act 2010, Part 4
2. Disability Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 2006
3. Housing Adaptations Application Form (NIHE)

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