As a tenant or renter in Scotland, living in a house in multiple occupation (HMO) can raise questions about how to request disability adaptations and what access rights you have. This guide explains the practical steps you can take to ask for reasonable adaptations, how to document requests, when to involve an occupational therapist or your local council, and how to use official forms and the First-tier Tribunal if agreements cannot be reached. It uses plain language and focuses on options available under Scottish law for private tenants, including what counts as a reasonable adjustment in an HMO, timelines to expect, and how to protect your housing rights while maintaining good relations with your landlord or manager.
Understanding legal rights in Scotland
Tenants in Scottish private rented housing have rights under the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 and related housing law. These laws set out landlord obligations for repairs, safety and reasonable adjustments for disabled tenants. If a landlord will not agree to necessary adaptations, there are formal routes to seek enforcement, including applying to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber).[1][2]
What counts as a disability adaptation?
Adaptations vary by need but commonly include ramps, grab rails, accessible bathing, widened doorways, or changes to bedroom or common-area layouts in HMOs. Landlords and managers should consider reasonable adjustments that do not unreasonably burden other tenants or make the property unsafe.
- Ramp or lowered threshold to improve entrance access.
- Grab rails and non-slip surfaces in bathrooms or corridors.
- Adapted shower or bathing facilities for independent use.
- Changes to locks or keys to allow secure but accessible entry.
How to raise an adaptation request
Start by making a clear written request to your landlord or HMO manager describing the adaptation, why it is needed, and any supporting medical or occupational therapist recommendations. Ask for a written response and a proposed timescale. If the landlord agrees, get the agreement in writing and confirm who pays and who arranges the work.
If the landlord refuses or delays
If you receive an unsatisfactory response, you can:
- Request a formal meeting or mediation in writing and set a reasonable deadline for reply.
- Ask your GP or occupational therapist to provide supporting evidence about needs.
- Collect evidence: dated photos, emails, letters and any professional reports.
Using the First-tier Tribunal
The First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) handles many tenancy disputes, including enforcement of repairing standards and issues about reasonable adjustments in private tenancies. If informal routes fail you can apply to the Tribunal for an order. The Tribunal’s website explains application types, evidence requirements and fees where applicable.[2]
Official forms and practical examples
There are specific official forms and application routes you may need depending on whether you are asking your landlord, your local authority, or the Tribunal to act. Below are the most relevant official forms and when you would use them.
1. First-tier Tribunal application form (Housing and Property Chamber)
Form name and number: "Application Form" (Housing and Property Chamber application). When to use: use this form to apply to the Tribunal if a landlord refuses necessary adaptations or will not carry out agreed changes. Practical example: you have an occupational therapist report recommending grab rails and the landlord refuses; you complete the Tribunal application, attach the report and copies of correspondence, and request an enforcement order.
2. Local council adaptations referral or assistance request
Form name and number: varies by local authority; many Scottish councils provide an adaptations referral form or a "Scheme of Assistance" request. When to use: ask your council for assistance if you need adaptations that may be funded or arranged through social work or housing services. Practical example: you contact your council to request an OT assessment and ask whether grant assistance is available to adapt shared facilities in the HMO.[3]
3. Written landlord request (no standard national form)
Form name and number: no national numbered form—this is a written request you create. When to use: always start here. Practical example: send a dated letter or email describing the adaptation you need, include supporting medical evidence, and ask for a written reply within a set number of days.
FAQ
- Can my landlord refuse a disability adaptation in an HMO?
- A landlord can refuse only if the change is unreasonable, unsafe, or would unfairly affect other tenants; otherwise tenants can seek enforcement via the First-tier Tribunal.
- Who pays for adaptations?
- Payment depends on negotiation, who benefits, and council policies; some adaptations can be funded or supported by the local authority after assessment.
- How long does a tribunal application take?
- Timelines vary but expect several weeks to months; provide clear evidence and follow procedural directions to avoid delays.
How-To
- Write a dated request to your landlord describing the adaptation and include any medical or OT reports.
- Request an occupational therapist assessment via your GP or local council to get formal recommendations.
- Collect and store evidence: photos, emails, receipts and professional reports in a single folder.
- If the landlord refuses, apply to the First-tier Tribunal with your documents and the completed application form.
- Follow tribunal directions, attend hearings, and implement any orders or agreements promptly to protect your tenancy.
Key Takeaways
- Keep a clear, dated record of all requests and evidence related to adaptations.
- Seek an occupational therapist assessment to support requests and council referrals.
- Use the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland if informal negotiation does not resolve the issue.
Help and Support / Resources
- First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)
- [1] Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016
- [2] Scottish Government guidance on housing adaptations
