Ground Floor Flat Requests for Renters in Wales: Your Rights

If you or someone in your household is disabled or has mobility issues, living on a ground floor can make life easier and safer. In Wales, there are clear rules on requesting a ground floor property, including rights for renters who need reasonable adjustments due to disability. This article guides you through your rights, how to make a request, and what forms and official bodies are involved, so you feel confident and supported.

Your Right to Request a Ground Floor Property

Under the Equality Act 2010^[1] and Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016^[2], landlords in Wales have a duty to consider reasonable adjustments for disabled tenants. This includes the right to request a move to a suitable ground floor property, or adaptations to your current home.

• Social housing tenants (council or housing association): You can formally apply to transfer to a more suitable home, like a ground floor flat.
• Private renters: You can ask your landlord to consider a transfer, direct let, or adaptation. While private landlords are encouraged to be accommodating, they are not always required by law to offer a ground floor property if none is available, but must consider reasonable adjustments.

How to Make a Request: Step by Step

Here's how you can request a ground floor property or adaptation, whether you are a social or private renter in Wales:

For Council or Housing Association Tenants

• Apply to your local council for a transfer or "mutual exchange" if your home is unsuitable.
• Mention disability, mobility issues, or health needs. Provide medical evidence where possible.
• Request an Occupational Therapy (OT) assessment, which can help prioritise your need for a ground floor property.

You will usually need to fill in your council’s housing or transfer application form. For example, Welsh Government housing support services provide details on local processes.

Official Forms to Use

• Social housing application forms: Each Welsh council has its own main housing application form (see your local authority website).
• Reasonable Adjustment Request: There is no single national form; use your social landlord’s "request for reasonable adjustment" process (contact them directly or see their website).
• Form N1: Application for a new tenancy or transfer is used in some cases for transfer applications (mainly England, but local forms in Wales serve a similar function).

Example: If you're in the Vale of Glamorgan, you must complete their official "Housing Application Form" (available via their council website) and check the section for health and mobility needs. Attach letters from your GP or OT as evidence.

For Private Renters

• Write to your landlord or agent explaining why you need a ground floor property. Attach evidence if possible (e.g., a letter from your GP).
• Ask for a transfer if your landlord manages multiple properties (some larger agents can sometimes offer alternatives).
• If an alternative isn’t available, you can still request reasonable adjustments (like ramps or handrails) under the Equality Act.

What If the Landlord Says No?

If your request is refused and you feel it’s discriminatory or not given proper consideration, you may complain to your landlord first, and if not resolved, escalate to the:

• The Property Ombudsman (for letting agents and private landlords who are members)
• Welsh housing ombudsman schemes
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales – the tribunal that deals with housing disputes in Wales

Disability, Vulnerability, and Reasonable Adjustments

Landlords must treat all requests fairly and consider reasonable adjustments if you are disabled or vulnerable. A 'reasonable adjustment' might include:

• Allowing a ground floor transfer without penalty
• Permitting minor adaptations (like handrails)
• Offering an alternative tenancy where possible

To strengthen your case, collect written evidence from health professionals explaining why a ground floor property is essential for you.

Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016: What It Means

This law underpins renting rights in Wales. Under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, all renters should expect safe, suitable homes and reasonable consideration of requests related to health, safety, and disability.

For more on your legal rights under this Act, visit the Residential Property Tribunal Wales for guidance and dispute resolution.

Action Steps if You Need a Ground Floor Home in Wales

• Contact your landlord or managing agent as early as possible
• Gather evidence - medical letters or assessments
• Apply through official forms if you are a social housing tenant
• Request an Occupational Therapy assessment if your condition impacts housing need
• Escalate to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales if you are unable to get a response or feel your request has been unfairly refused

Taking these steps increases your chances of a positive outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I ask my landlord to move me to a ground floor property if I’m disabled?
   Yes. Both social and private landlords in Wales must consider "reasonable adjustments" under the Equality Act 2010 if you are disabled, which may include offering a ground floor property if one is available.
2. What forms do I need to fill out to transfer to a ground floor flat in Wales?
   You will need your local council’s official housing application or transfer form and should provide medical or social care evidence. Private tenants should make a written request to their landlord and keep copies for records.
3. Who decides if my ground floor request is reasonable?
   Your landlord or the local council will consider your circumstances, supported by evidence. If you feel their response is unfair, you can seek a decision from the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.
4. Can my landlord refuse if there is no suitable ground floor property available?
   If no suitable property exists, the landlord is not required to create one, but must demonstrate that they have seriously considered your need and discussed possible adjustments with you.
5. What should I do if my request is ignored or refused unfairly?
   You should first use the landlord’s or council’s complaints process. If you’re not satisfied, escalate to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Welsh Renters

• You have the right to request a ground floor property in Wales, particularly if you have medical or disability needs.
• Social housing tenants should use official council forms and provide supporting evidence.
• Private renters should make clear written requests and understand which adjustments are considered reasonable.
• The Residential Property Tribunal Wales serves as your main route for resolving housing rights disputes.

Understanding the steps and your legal protections can make the process clearer and help achieve the best outcome for your circumstances.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Welsh Government Housing Support Services – Information and contact for local councils
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales – Official tribunal for housing and tenancy disputes
• Citizens Advice Wales - Housing Advice
• Equality Act 2010 Guidance for Wales

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1. Equality Act 2010 (as applied in Wales)
2. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016

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