Do Scottish Landlords Have to Provide Ramps and Rails by Law?

If you or someone you live with is disabled or has mobility issues, you might wonder if your landlord is required to provide ramps or rails in your Scottish rental home. The law protects the rights of disabled renters, but what does this mean in practice when it comes to adjustments like rails or ramps?

Your Rights to Reasonable Adjustments in Scotland

In Scotland, the Equality Act 2010 gives disabled people the right to request “reasonable adjustments” to their home. This can include things like installing ramps, handrails, or adapted door handles. However, the legal obligation on landlords and housing providers can vary depending on the type of housing and tenancy agreement.

What Is a Reasonable Adjustment?

A reasonable adjustment is a change made to help a disabled person live more freely, safely, or comfortably in their home. In the context of rental properties, common examples include ramps, rails, and accessible bathroom fittings.

• Private landlords in Scotland are not always automatically required to make physical changes to the property under the Equality Act, but must consider requests and cannot refuse unreasonably.
• Social landlords (like councils or housing associations) have a higher duty and should work proactively to support disabled tenants.
• Some changes, such as large structural modifications, may require the landlord’s approval or even planning permission.

For practical guidance, check the Scottish Government’s accessible housing policy and the official adapting your home guidance.

How to Request an Adjustment (e.g. Ramps or Rails)

If you need a ramp or rail due to a disability, you should:

• Write to your landlord stating clearly what adaptation you need, why you need it, and reference the Equality Act 2010.
• Provide evidence if possible, such as a letter from your GP or occupational therapist.
• Your landlord must give reasonable consideration and cannot refuse your request purely because you are disabled.
• If you’re a council or housing association tenant, you can contact your landlord’s adaptations team directly.

If your request is refused, you may be able to complain or, in some cases, apply for funding to arrange the adaptation yourself (with landlord permission). The Funding home adaptations page on mygov.scot explains what assistance may be available.

Official Forms and Practical Examples

• Application for Housing Adaptations (No formal number)
  When to use: If you need to request an adaptation in a council or housing association property, most social landlords in Scotland use a standard adaptation request form. Example: a tenant with limited mobility needing a handrail at the entrance submits this form to the landlord’s adaptations team.
  Official government guidance on requesting adaptations often links to council-specific forms.
• Scottish Tribunals - Application for Civil Proceedings (Repair/Adaptation Dispute)
  When to use: If your landlord refuses a reasonable request for adaptations and you cannot resolve it, you may apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) for dispute resolution.
  Guidance and forms for raising an application are available on their official "Apply to the Tribunal" page.

The relevant legislation for most private tenancies is the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016, while social housing adjustments are also covered by the Equality Act 2010 (reasonable adjustments for disabled persons in housing).

What to Do If You Disagree With Your Landlord’s Decision

If your landlord refuses your request for a ramp or rail and you believe it's unreasonable, you have options:

• Appeal directly to the landlord in writing, asking for written reasons for refusal.
• Seek support or mediation through your local council or a tenants' advice service.
• If there’s no resolution, you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber), which handles disputes about repairs, adaptations, and tenant rights under Scottish tenancy law.

Summary: Most ramps and rails are not automatically required by law in all Scottish rental housing. But if you need one for a disability, the law supports your right to ask, and your landlord must consider your request fairly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are landlords in Scotland legally required to install ramps and rails for disabled tenants?
   Landlords must not unreasonably refuse a request for reasonable adjustments, such as ramps or rails, if you provide medical evidence showing a disability. However, they are not always obliged to pay for or carry out major adaptations unless they are a public sector/social landlord.
2. Which tribunal handles disputes about ramps, rails, or accessibility rights in Scottish rental homes?
   The First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) is where you can apply if you and your landlord disagree about adaptations or accessibility.
3. Can I make adaptations myself if my landlord refuses?
   You usually need written permission from your landlord first. Without it, you could be in breach of your tenancy agreement. If they refuse unreasonably, you may take the matter further.
4. Is there financial help for adaptations in my rented home?
   In some cases, you may qualify for a grant or practical help to fund adaptations, especially in social housing. See the mygov.scot guide on adaptation funding.
5. What legal acts protect my rights to request adaptations in Scotland?
   The Equality Act 2010 and, for private renters, the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Scottish rental law supports the rights of disabled tenants to request adaptations like ramps and rails, but they are not always automatically provided.
• Landlords must fairly consider requests for reasonable adjustments and cannot refuse solely on the basis of disability.
• Help is available through local councils, tenant advice services, and the official Scottish Housing Tribunal if needed.

Knowing your rights and following official procedures can help you secure the adjustments you need for safe and comfortable living.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) – Official tribunal for tenant-landlord disputes, including adaptation refusals.
• mygov.scot – Adapting your home – Government guidance, forms, and funding information for home adaptations in Scotland.
• Shelter Scotland: Adapting a home – Free advice for tenants needing adjustments.
• Equality Advisory & Support Service – Helpline for equality and disability rights advice (Phone: 0808 800 0082).
• Your local council’s Housing Advice team – Find contact details via your council’s website.

---

1. Equality Act 2010 – Official legislation
2. Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016
3. First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)
4. mygov.scot official guidance on home adaptations
5. Equality and Human Rights Commission Scotland

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