Disability Adjustments: Landlords’ Responsibilities in Wales

Many renters in Wales wonder if their landlord is legally required to make changes or adaptations to a property if they have a disability. If you or someone in your household is disabled, Welsh law gives you certain rights to request reasonable adjustments—helping ensure your home is accessible and safe.

Your Rights as a Disabled Renter in Wales

The Equality Act 2010 protects renters from discrimination due to disability. Landlords must not treat you unfairly or refuse to rent to you because you are disabled. In some cases, they must allow changes or 'reasonable adjustments' to help you live comfortably.

What Are 'Reasonable Adjustments'?

Reasonable adjustments are changes to a property, or to the way things are done, that help remove barriers for disabled people. Examples include:

• Allowing the installation of a ramp or handrails
• Permitting visual fire alarms for people with hearing impairments
• Allowing guide dogs or assistance animals, even if there is a 'no pets' policy
• Installing wider doorways for wheelchair access

Generally, landlords are required to allow these adjustments if they are reasonable, but they do not always have to pay for physical changes to the property.

When Must a Landlord Allow Adjustments?

In Wales, a landlord cannot unreasonably refuse consent for changes if you are disabled and the change improves accessibility. However, you usually must:

• Request permission in writing before making any changes
• Agree to return the property to its original condition when you move out (unless agreed otherwise)
• Use qualified tradespeople for works, if required by the landlord

If you are unsure whether an adjustment is 'reasonable', contact your local authority or Welsh Government’s housing advice services for guidance.

Legal Steps and Official Forms You Might Need

To support your request, you may need to use certain official forms and follow specific steps:

• Request to Make Adaptations Form (varies by local council): Useful when applying for permission to adapt your home. For instance, Cardiff Council’s Disabled Adaptations Application allows you to apply for adaptations and funding for necessary changes.
• Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) Application: You can apply for this grant through your local council to cover the cost of major adaptations. See the official DFG information and the online application steps.
• Equality Act Complaint: If you feel discriminated against, including a refusal to let you make reasonable adjustments, you can lodge a claim at the County Court, using Form N1 (Claim form). Practical example: If your landlord refuses all adjustments, you can use Form N1 to begin legal proceedings for disability discrimination.

If you and your landlord cannot resolve a dispute, or if you believe your rights under the Equality Act are ignored, you can apply to the County Court in Wales, which handles tenancy and discrimination matters.

Relevant Welsh Housing Laws

Landlords and tenants in Wales must also follow the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 and the Equality Act 2010 to ensure disabled renters are not disadvantaged and are treated fairly.

Taking Action: What To Do If You Need an Adjustment

• Write to your landlord or letting agent explaining your disability and the adjustment you require.
• Include medical or occupational therapist evidence if needed.
• Apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant if adaptations are expensive or major.
• If refused, seek specialist advice and consider mediation or formal complaint procedures.

It’s always best to keep written records of all communications and agreements.

A landlord cannot lawfully evict or treat you unfairly for requesting a disability adjustment. If this happens, seek immediate legal advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord refuse all adaptations if I am disabled?
   Landlords must not refuse reasonable adjustments that do not involve major structural changes, and they cannot discriminate against you under the Equality Act 2010.
2. Do I have to pay for adaptations myself, or can I get help?
   Many adaptations (especially major ones) can be funded by a Disabled Facilities Grant from your local authority. Landlords may not be required to pay for physical changes themselves.
3. What if my landlord wants me to remove adaptations when I move out?
   It is common for landlords to request that you restore the property to its prior condition, unless otherwise agreed. Make sure to get this clarified in writing before making changes.
4. Can my landlord increase my rent because of adaptations for my disability?
   Landlords cannot increase rent simply due to the presence of disability adaptations, unless agreed changes add to the property’s facilities. Any rent increase should follow proper procedures under Welsh law.
5. Which official body handles residential tenancies and disputes in Wales?
   The County Court is responsible for handling tenancy and disability discrimination matters in Wales.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Welsh Government Housing Advice: Information on tenant rights and accessibility laws
• Official Disabled Facilities Grant Information
• Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS): Free support for discrimination and disability rights
• County Court (Wales): Making claims about housing or discrimination issues
• Shelter Cymru: Free, expert help with Welsh tenancy and disability problems

---

1. Equality Act 2010 (legislation.gov.uk)
2. Housing (Wales) Act 2014 (legislation.gov.uk)
3. Disabled Facilities Grant (Gov.uk)
4. County Court for Wales (judiciary.uk)

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