What are reasonable adjustments?
A reasonable adjustment is a practical change that reduces a disadvantage caused by a disability. For a neurodivergent tenant, the adjustment should respond to the difficulty they experience rather than to a diagnosis alone. The Equality Act 2010 can protect disabled people from discrimination in housing, including unfair treatment, harassment and a failure to make reasonable adjustments in relevant circumstances.
Examples can include communicating by email instead of telephone, giving longer or clearer notice of inspections, allowing a support person to attend meetings, explaining tenancy charges in plain language, or providing repair updates in a predictable format. An adjustment does not have to be identical to the examples below, and a landlord may discuss an alternative that achieves the same outcome.
Examples for Scottish renters
- Ask for important tenancy communication by email, with a clear subject line and plain-language explanation.
- Request a reasonable appointment window and advance notice for inspections, repairs or access visits.
- Ask that non-urgent entry is arranged in advance and that visitors identify themselves before entering.
- Request tenancy notices, rent information and repair instructions in an accessible format.
- Ask to bring a support person, advocate or interpreter to a meeting about your tenancy.
- Agree a written communication plan recording who will contact you, how and when.
How to request an adjustment
Make the request in writing where possible, even if you first discuss it by telephone. You do not need to use a particular legal form. Explain the housing problem, the effect of your condition, the change you are requesting and when it is needed. You can share only information that is relevant to the request; medical details should be handled carefully and kept confidential where appropriate.
Invite the landlord or agent to discuss alternatives if the proposed adjustment is difficult to provide. A request may be unreasonable in a particular situation, but a decision should be based on the facts rather than an assumption about neurodivergence. Ask for the decision and reasons in writing, and set a sensible date for a response.
Keep a communication record
- Keep copies of requests, replies, notices, medical letters and agreed communication plans.
- Record dates, deadlines, appointments and missed visits in one calendar or log.
- After a verbal conversation, send a short email confirming what was discussed and any next steps.
- Do not ignore a formal notice because an adjustment request is still being considered.
Adjustments during repairs, inspections and access
Scottish landlords generally have duties concerning the repairing standard and may need access to inspect or repair a home. Neurodivergent tenants can ask for access arrangements that reduce distress while still allowing necessary work. For example, you might request a morning appointment, a named contractor, a text message before arrival, or a clear description of what the contractor will do.
If a repair is urgent, explain any safety risk immediately and use the landlord's emergency contact route. An adjustment should not prevent urgent action to protect people or the property. If access arrangements repeatedly fail, keep the dates and explain how the problem affects you.
Rent, eviction and discrimination concerns
A request for an adjustment does not automatically stop rent obligations, a valid rent process or an eviction case. Continue paying rent if you can, respond to notices and ask for accessible explanations of any sums claimed. If a landlord threatens eviction, changes the locks or pressures you after a disability-related request, obtain urgent advice and preserve every message.
Most private residential tenancies in Scotland are governed by the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016. The Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 sets out important rules about Scottish private residential tenancies, including notices and eviction grounds. Equality Act issues may require a different route from a tenancy application, so ask an adviser which forum is suitable.
The First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) handles many residential tenancy applications, including eviction, rent and repairing-standard matters. Its procedure is designed to be accessible, but a tenant should still ask for reasonable communication support and check whether the tribunal has jurisdiction over the specific dispute.
Official forms and tribunal applications
The tribunal's current forms and online services should be checked before filing because form names and guidance can change. A tenant may use the tribunal's online application process or the relevant paper application. The following examples explain when the forms are commonly relevant.
- Form A, application by a tenant about the repairing standard: use this when the home may not meet the repairing standard and the landlord has not put matters right; for example, a tenant can explain that repeated damp has not been addressed and request an accessible hearing process.
- Eviction-order application forms: a landlord normally starts an eviction case using the tribunal's prescribed application route, while the tenant should read the papers, meet the response deadline and state any disability-related communication needs.
- Rent-increase challenge application: where a tenant believes a proposed rent increase should be reviewed, use the current tribunal process and provide the notice, tenancy details and supporting evidence before the stated deadline.
When completing a form, say clearly that you need accessible communication, extra time where appropriate, a support person or another practical adjustment. Explain how the adjustment will help you take part in the process. Keep a copy of the submitted form and confirmation of filing.
What to do if a request is refused
Ask for the refusal and reasons in writing. Check whether the proposed adjustment was misunderstood and suggest a workable alternative. Gather evidence such as emails, inspection records, notices, rent records and a short statement describing the disadvantage you experienced.
- Make a dated record of the request, response and practical effect on your tenancy.
- Contact an official housing advice service or disability advice service for help identifying the correct complaint or legal route.
- Use the First-tier Tribunal process for a matter within its jurisdiction and follow every hearing or response deadline.
- If you believe treatment is discriminatory, ask for specialist advice about an Equality Act claim and the appropriate court or tribunal.
FAQ
- Do I have to disclose a diagnosis to request a reasonable adjustment?
- No. You can explain the difficulty you face and the change that would help. A landlord or agent may need enough information to understand the request, but you should not provide irrelevant medical details.
- Can I ask for email communication from my landlord?
- Yes. Email communication can be a reasonable request where telephone calls or unplanned contact create a disability-related disadvantage. Ask for important notices and appointment details to be confirmed in writing.
- Can an adjustment stop an eviction?
- Not automatically. You should still respond to notices and meet deadlines, while explaining your communication needs. Discrimination concerns may need a separate advice or legal route.
- Which body deals with Scottish private tenancy applications?
- The First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) deals with many residential tenancy disputes, including applications about eviction, rent and the repairing standard.
How-To
- Identify the tenancy task that creates a disability-related difficulty and describe its practical effect.
- Write a clear request naming the adjustment, the reason it helps and the date it is needed.
- Keep copies of the request, replies, notices and evidence in a dated record.
- Continue checking deadlines for rent, repairs, tribunal applications and eviction responses.
- Seek official advice if the request is refused or you are unsure which complaint or tribunal route applies.
Help and Support / Resources
- mygov.scot private renting guidance explains Scottish tenant rights, rent, repairs and eviction.
- First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber provides applications, forms and procedural information.
- Scottish Government private renting information provides official policy and guidance.
