Understanding Reasonable Adjustments in Scottish Rental Housing

If you're a renter in Scotland and have a disability or health condition, you may have the right to request reasonable adjustments to your home. This article explains what reasonable adjustments are, when you can ask for them, and your rights under Scottish law. Knowing this can help you live more comfortably and confidently in your rented property.

What Are Reasonable Adjustments in Scottish Housing?

Reasonable adjustments are changes that landlords must consider making to help disabled or vulnerable tenants use and enjoy their homes. Under the Equality Act 2010, landlords in Scotland must not discriminate against tenants with disabilities and should take reasonable steps to remove barriers. Adjustments could involve physical changes or changes to rental policies or procedures.

Examples of Reasonable Adjustments

Adjustments may differ depending on the individual's needs, the property, and costs involved. Common examples include:

• Allowing a guide dog even in a 'no pets' property
• Providing a designated parking space close to the entrance
• Installing ramps or handrails
• Permitting minor adaptations like visual fire alarm systems
• Changing how important information is provided (such as large-print letters)

Landlords are only required to make adjustments that are considered reasonable for their circumstances. What is 'reasonable' depends on the cost, practicality, and the property type, among other factors.

Your Legal Rights to Reasonable Adjustments

Scottish residential renters are protected under the Equality Act 2010 and supported by Scottish tenancy laws such as the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016^[1][2]. Landlords must consider reasonable requests for adjustments from current or prospective tenants with disabilities. This applies whether you rent from a private landlord, housing association, or local council.

• Landlords cannot refuse to let to you because of your disability
• Landlords must consider requests for reasonable changes to policies or facilities
• You may have the right to make small adaptations yourself, but larger works may need landlord consent

How to Request Reasonable Adjustments

If you need an adjustment, start by making your request in writing to your landlord or letting agency. Clearly explain the adjustment needed, why it is necessary, and how it will help you access and enjoy your home. Providing a supporting letter from your doctor or another professional can be helpful.

Relevant Official Forms

• Medical Evidence Form (no number): Often required to demonstrate a disability when requesting housing adjustments. Ask your GP or healthcare provider for written evidence. Used when applying for a council adaptation grant or supporting a request to your landlord.
  Official guidance: Disabled adaptations on mygov.scot
• Scotland Disabled Facilities Grant Application Form: Apply through your local council if structural adaptation is needed (like ramps or accessible showers). Your Occupational Therapist will usually help you fill in this form.
  Local council forms and details: Apply for home adaptations

If your landlord refuses your request, you have options to challenge this decision.

What If Your Request Is Refused?

If you believe a landlord has unreasonably refused your request for a necessary adjustment, you can:

• Raise a formal complaint with your landlord (using their complaints procedure)
• Contact your local council for support or mediation
• Apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) if your issue remains unresolved

The Tribunal can help resolve disputes about discrimination or failure to make reasonable adjustments under Scottish law.

Relevant Legislation for Renters

• Equality Act 2010 – Sets out your right to reasonable adjustments for disability
• Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 – Governs most private tenancies in Scotland

The law aims to ensure that disabled tenants have fair access to suitable accommodation and that discrimination is prevented wherever possible.

1. What counts as a 'reasonable' adjustment in housing?
   ‘Reasonable’ usually means a change that helps remove a barrier for a disabled tenant but is practical and affordable for the landlord. There’s no fixed list, but it could range from allowing service animals to fitting grab rails or providing parking arrangements.
2. Can my landlord refuse my adjustment request in Scotland?
   Landlords may only refuse if the change is not ‘reasonable’ – for example, if it’s too costly, would cause substantial disruption, or fundamentally alter the nature of the property. They must explain any refusal and can be challenged if their decision is unfair.
3. How do I prove my need for an adjustment?
   You can provide a letter from your GP or an Occupational Therapist explaining your disability and recommended adjustments. Councils or landlords may request this evidence before approving adaptations.
4. Which tribunal handles disputes about reasonable adjustments in Scotland?
   The First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) handles cases about rental disputes, including those involving reasonable adjustments or discrimination.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Scottish Government: Disability Adaptations – Official resources for home adaptations and your rights
• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) – Apply online or get information for housing disputes
• Shelter Scotland – Free and confidential advice for tenants
• Your local council housing department – for adaptation funds, forms, or mediation services (Find your local council)

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1. [1] Equality Act 2010
2. [2] Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016

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