Renting a home should be fair and accessible to everyone. If you are a disabled renter in Wales, the law provides strong protections to prevent discrimination and promote equal opportunities. This guide explains your rights, the key laws, how to get adjustments, and the steps to take if you face barriers or unfair treatment.
Your Legal Protections as a Disabled Renter in Wales
Disabled renters in Wales are protected from discrimination and have the right to request reasonable adjustments from landlords. The two main laws are:
- Equality Act 2010 – prohibits discrimination and requires reasonable adjustments for disabled people1
- Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 – sets the rules for residential tenancies in Wales2
This means a landlord cannot treat you unfairly because of your disability, including when you apply for a tenancy, live in your home, or request changes for accessibility.
What Counts as Disability Discrimination?
According to the Equality Act, discrimination can include:
- Refusing to let you view or rent a property because of your disability
- Charging higher rent or a larger deposit
- Denying permission for reasonable changes – like fitting a grab rail or installing ramps
- Failure to make reasonable adjustments to policies, practices, or services
Discrimination may be direct (treating you worse because you are disabled) or indirect (applying rules that disadvantage disabled people). Harassment or victimisation due to your disability is also illegal.
Requesting Reasonable Adjustments from Your Landlord
Under the Equality Act, landlords must consider reasonable adjustments if you need changes to use your rented home comfortably. You can request physical changes—like ramps or wider doorways—or non-physical changes such as changing how communications are handled.
- How to Request: Ask your landlord in writing, explaining what adjustment you need and why.
- Landlord's Duty: They do not have to pay for structural alterations, but they must not unreasonably refuse other adjustments or permissions you need.
- Some changes (like grab rails) may require written permission, but permission should not be unreasonably withheld.
If your landlord says no or ignores your request, you can challenge this decision (see below for complaint options).
Key Forms and Practical Examples for Disabled Renters
Official forms can help you exercise your rights or resolve disputes. Here are the main ones for Wales:
- Complaint to the County Court (Claim Form N1) – Use if your landlord discriminates against you and you want to take court action under the Equality Act.
- When to use: For example, if your landlord refuses reasonable adjustments despite repeated written requests.
- Download Form N1 (Claim Form)
- Notice of Appeal to Residential Property Tribunal Wales – Use if you believe a housing or access decision should be reviewed (for example, disrepair affecting accessibility).
- When to use: For example, if the local council or landlord fails to provide necessary adaptations or deal with hazards.
- RPT Wales: Application Forms and Guidance
- Disabled Facilities Grant Application – If you need to apply for a council-funded adaptation (like stairlifts or ramps) to your rented home, contact your local authority and use their Disabled Facilities Grant form.
How to Complain or Challenge a Decision
If you believe you’re facing discrimination or your landlord ignores accessibility needs, there are clear steps to follow:
- Try to resolve with your landlord in writing first.
- If unresolved, raise a complaint with the landlord’s letting agent or ombudsman service (if applicable).
- For social housing, escalate your complaint to the housing association or council’s complaints process.
- Apply to Residential Property Tribunal Wales if the issue relates to a tenancy matter or adaptation request not being met.
- For discrimination under the Equality Act, you can apply to the County Court using Form N1.
Summary: Ensuring Your Rights
Knowing your rights and the official steps to resolve issues helps ensure you can live in a safe, suitable, and accessible home.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does a ‘reasonable adjustment’ mean in rental housing?
It’s a change or adaptation that helps remove obstacles for disabled tenants, such as installing ramps or changing how tenancy information is communicated. The law expects landlords to consider and accommodate reasonable requests. - Can my landlord refuse to let me make changes for my disability?
Your landlord can refuse only if the change is not reasonable (for example, major structural work), but must not unreasonably withhold permission for small changes or adaptations needed for accessibility. - How do I make a discrimination complaint against my landlord?
Start by writing to your landlord detailing the discrimination. If unresolved, you may apply to the County Court (using Form N1) or contact the Residential Property Tribunal Wales for some housing-related matters. - Who oversees tenancy disputes and accessibility issues in Wales?
The Residential Property Tribunal Wales handles disputes about tenancies, adaptation orders, and related matters. - Can I get financial help for adaptations?
Yes. Disabled Facilities Grants from your local council can help fund essential adaptations in your rented home. Apply here.
Key Points for Disabled Renters in Wales
- You are protected against discrimination by the Equality Act 2010 and Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.
- Request any reasonable adjustments in writing and use official forms if you need to challenge decisions.
- Use the Residential Property Tribunal Wales or County Court for unresolved disputes or discrimination cases.
Remember, you have options and support to ensure your home is accessible and your rights are upheld.
Need Help? Resources for Renters
- Equality and Human Rights Commission – Disabled People and Housing
- Residential Property Tribunal Wales – Information and Applications
- Welsh Government – Disabled Facilities Grant
- Shelter Cymru – Adaptations and Disabled Facilities Grant
- Contact your local council housing team or Citizens Advice for more one-to-one guidance
