What to Do If Your Scottish Landlord Refuses Disability Accommodations

If you’re a renter in Scotland with a disability, you have important rights that protect you from discrimination and ensure access to suitable housing. Sometimes, however, landlords may refuse reasonable adjustments, leaving you wondering what to do next and how the law supports you. This guide explains your rights, the steps to take, and where to go for further help.

Your Legal Rights as a Disabled Renter in Scotland

Scottish law, under the Equality Act 2010, makes it illegal for a landlord to discriminate against tenants based on disability. This includes a duty to consider ‘reasonable adjustments’ – changes or adaptations that remove substantial disadvantages for disabled people in their homes.

• Examples of reasonable adjustments: installing ramps, altering door handles, allowing guide dogs, or changing a tenancy agreement’s terms (such as allowing an assistance animal).
• Landlords are not obligated to make structural changes, but must consider practical, affordable adjustments.

What Counts as Discrimination?

Discrimination can include refusing to let or renew a tenancy due to disability, failure to consider reasonable changes, or treating you less favourably than other tenants because of your needs.

What To Do If Your Landlord Refuses Your Request

Being refused a reasonable adjustment can feel overwhelming, but Scottish legal protections do exist. It’s vital to gather information, communicate clearly, and consider formal steps if needed.

• Step 1: Make your request in writing. Outline what you need and why it’s necessary, referencing your rights under the Equality Act 2010 – Duty to make adjustments.
• Step 2: If your landlord refuses, ask for their reasons in writing and keep all correspondence.
• Step 3: Contact a local advice agency such as your council’s housing advice service or Citizens Advice Scotland.

• Step 4: If agreement cannot be reached, you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) for a resolution.

Relevant Official Forms and How to Use Them

If informal efforts fail, you have the right to escalate:

• Application to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) – Form: Application under Rule 65
  When to use: If you believe your landlord has unlawfully discriminated or refused a reasonable adjustment. Complete the form, provide copies of your correspondence and evidence, and submit it directly to the tribunal.
  Download the Tenant Application Form – Rule 65 (official source).

The Tribunal may review your case and order your landlord to make the requested adjustment, pay compensation, or take other appropriate action.

If you are not sure which form or route to take, seek free advice from Citizens Advice Scotland or Shelter Scotland before submitting official paperwork.

The Role of the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)

This specialist tribunal handles disputes between tenants and private landlords, including issues involving discrimination under the Equality Act. For information about how to make an application and tribunal process steps, visit the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) official website.

Important Legislation for Scottish Renters

• Equality Act 2010: Protects disabled renters from discrimination and enforces the duty to make reasonable adjustments.
• Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016: Provides general rights for private renters in Scotland.

These laws safeguard your right to request fair treatment and changes where necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a 'reasonable adjustment' in a rented property?
   It's a change or adaptation to your home or tenancy agreement to remove barriers for a disabled renter, such as a handrail, letting in an assistance dog, or using a different communication method.
2. Can a landlord ever refuse an adjustment?
   Yes – but only if the request is unreasonable (for example, if it would cost too much, or fundamentally change the property). The landlord must consider your request fairly and provide written reasons for any refusal.
3. Which tribunal do I contact for discrimination cases in Scotland?
   For most issues involving rented homes and disability discrimination, apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber).
4. Do I need a lawyer to apply to the Tribunal?
   No. You can represent yourself and many renters get support from local advice agencies. However, you can seek legal help if you wish, especially for complex cases.
5. Where can I get support with my application or disability rights?
   Contact Shelter Scotland, Citizens Advice Scotland, or your local council for guidance and advocacy.

Key Takeaways for Scottish Renters

• Disabled renters in Scotland are protected by law from discrimination and have a right to reasonable adjustments.
• If your landlord refuses, document everything and seek help early.
• You can apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland if informal solutions fail, using the relevant forms.

Knowing your rights and the steps to take can help resolve many disputes with landlords quickly and fairly.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Shelter Scotland – Get Help
• Citizens Advice Scotland – Renting a Home
• Mygov.scot – Local Council Housing Advice
• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)

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1. Equality Act 2010 (legislation.gov.uk)
2. Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 (legislation.gov.uk)
3. First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)
4. Tenant Application Form – Rule 65

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