What is a reasonable adjustment?
A reasonable adjustment is a change that removes or reduces a substantial disadvantage experienced by a disabled person. In rented housing, the issue may involve how a landlord communicates, how an inspection is arranged, how a tenancy rule is applied or whether a physical feature creates an accessibility barrier.
Examples may include providing notices in an accessible format, allowing a support person to attend an appointment, arranging a different communication method or considering permission for an accessibility alteration. The appropriate adjustment depends on the tenant's needs, the property and the circumstances.
Which Northern Ireland law may apply?
The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 contains protections against disability discrimination in areas including premises and services.[1] A landlord or letting agent should not treat a disabled tenant unfavourably because of disability-related matters, and some duties may require reasonable steps to avoid a substantial disadvantage.
The Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 is the main recent private tenancy legislation for matters such as tenancy information, notices and wider landlord and tenant duties.[2] It does not replace equality law, so an accessibility concern may involve both tenancy law and discrimination law.
Whether an adjustment is reasonable can depend on factors such as its practicality, cost, effectiveness, the size and resources of the landlord, and the nature of the disadvantage. A landlord may ask for relevant information, but you should avoid sharing more medical information than is necessary.
Examples of adjustments a tenant can request
- Receive tenancy notices, inspection arrangements or repair updates in large print, electronic format or another accessible format.
- Use email, text, relay support or another agreed contact method instead of telephone calls.
- Arrange appointments with additional notice, a support person or access instructions that reduce disability-related difficulties.
- Ask for permission to make a disability-related alteration, such as installing a grab rail, subject to the legal and practical requirements that apply.
- Ask for a tenancy rule or procedure to be considered differently where applying it strictly would place you at a substantial disadvantage.
How to make a written request
There is generally no prescribed government form that a tenant must use to ask for a reasonable adjustment. A short written request is usually the clearest approach because it creates a record of what you asked for and why.
- Explain the disability-related barrier and identify the adjustment you want.
- Give only relevant supporting information, such as an occupational therapist's recommendation or a description of how the barrier affects you.
- Ask for a written response within a reasonable time and suggest a practical date for discussion or implementation.
- Keep a copy of the request, replies, appointments, photographs and any related repair or access records.
Send the request to the landlord, managing agent or housing provider using a reliable method. If someone manages the tenancy, copy the landlord where appropriate. You can ask for a meeting or another communication method if written communication itself is difficult.
If the request is refused or ignored
Ask the landlord or agent to explain the decision in writing. You can propose a less costly or different adjustment if the first option is said to be impractical. A refusal does not automatically prove discrimination, but the reasons and the way the request was handled may be important.
- Keep a dated log of requests, responses, missed appointments and any effect on your use of the home.
- Save relevant photographs, letters, emails, reports and receipts, provided they do not expose another person's private information unnecessarily.
- Seek advice from an official housing or equality service before signing an agreement, paying a disputed amount or starting a tribunal claim.
- Consider the Residential Property Tribunal where the dispute falls within its jurisdiction and a tribunal application is appropriate.
The official tribunal dealing with residential property disputes in Northern Ireland is the Residential Property Tribunal. Its current guidance explains the types of applications it accepts, the process and the forms to use.[3] Tribunal jurisdiction is limited, so a discrimination claim may need a different route or professional advice.
Official forms and tribunal applications
For an initial accessibility request, use a letter or email rather than looking for a special tenant form. Include the property address, the barrier, the adjustment requested, any reasonable deadline and how the landlord can respond.
If you need to begin a case within the tribunal's jurisdiction, use the current Residential Property Tribunal application form and guidance published by the Northern Ireland government. The form is used to set out the parties, property, legal basis and remedy sought; for example, a tenant might use it to apply about a qualifying private tenancy dispute after keeping copies of the written request and refusal.[4] Check the current form, fee information and service requirements before filing because these can change.
Do not delay if you have received a possession notice, court document or formal deadline. A tribunal application does not automatically stop every possession or court process, and separate deadlines may apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can a tenant request a reasonable adjustment by email?
- Yes, email can be a useful way to explain the disability-related barrier, request a specific change and keep a dated record, unless another method is needed for accessibility.
- Does a landlord have to agree to every requested adjustment?
- No, the request must be assessed in context and the law does not necessarily require every proposed change, but a refusal should be handled fairly and should not unlawfully discriminate.
- What evidence should a tenant keep?
- Keep the request, replies, relevant reports, photographs, appointment records and notes of how the barrier affects access to the home or tenancy services.
- Which body handles residential tenancy tribunal matters in Northern Ireland?
- The Residential Property Tribunal handles residential property matters within its legal jurisdiction, using the current application forms and guidance published by the Northern Ireland government.
How-To: Request a reasonable adjustment
- Record the disability-related barrier and the effect it has on your tenancy.
- Write to the landlord or agent describing the adjustment requested and a practical response date.
- Attach only relevant evidence and retain copies of every document and message.
- Follow up in writing if there is no response within a reasonable time.
- Get official advice and check the correct legal route before submitting a tribunal or court application.
Help and Support / Resources
- Northern Ireland Housing Tribunal guidance
- Department for Communities Housing Tribunal information and forms
- nidirect disability discrimination guidance
