Landlord Duties for Accessibility Modifications in Wales

If you live in Wales and have a disability or accessibility needs, understanding your rights as a renter is crucial. Many tenants wonder whether landlords have to make their homes more accessible, and what the process looks like if you need adjustments. This guide explains your rights, the legal duties of landlords in Wales, and how to request or challenge accessibility changes under current law.

Your Right to Request Accessibility Changes

Under the Equality Act 2010, people with disabilities in Wales have the right to request 'reasonable adjustments' to their rented home. This means your landlord must consider alterations that make living in the property possible and safe for you, though they are not always legally required to pay for or agree to every change.

What Counts as a Reasonable Adjustment?

• Installing ramps or handrails to help with mobility
• Allowing guide dogs or assistance animals, even in 'no pets' properties
• Adjusting bathroom or kitchen fittings for your needs

However, major structural changes, such as widening doorways or installing lifts, are often considered property alterations rather than "adjustments" and may not be required unless the landlord agrees.

Landlord Responsibilities Under Welsh Law

While landlords in Wales must not discriminate against disabled renters, the law says that they only have to make reasonable adjustments. They are not required to fund permanent, large-scale changes but cannot unreasonably deny permission for accessibility works paid for by you or through official schemes.

Key Landlord Duties Include:

• Not charging additional fees for allowing adjustments
• Giving permission for minor changes that do not permanently alter the property, unless there is a real reason to refuse
• Processing your request fairly and providing clear reasons if they refuse

This means, for example, your landlord cannot refuse you a grab rail installation if it won't damage the property, and you cover installation and removal costs.

How to Request Accessibility Changes

Follow these steps if you need your rented property to be adapted:

• Talk to your landlord first: Many issues can be resolved informally by explaining your needs and what adjustments would help.
• Submit your request in writing: For recordkeeping, always make a written request. Describe the disability, the adjustment needed, and why it is necessary.
• Include supporting evidence: This could be a letter from your GP, occupational therapist, or Social Services.
• Wait for a response: Your landlord should reply in a reasonable time and state their decision.

Applying for Accessibility Grants

Welsh councils offer the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) to help with costs of significant adaptations. You must get landlord permission for any works, but landlords cannot unreasonably refuse if you have council funding.

Official Forms and Tribunals in Wales

• Disabled Facilities Grant Application - Local Council
  When you need support to fund major adaptations (such as stairlifts or wet rooms), apply for a DFG. Forms are provided by your local council's housing department. Find more details and apply via the UK Government’s Disabled Facilities Grant guide.
  Example: If you need your bathroom adapted and cannot afford it, apply to the council’s DFG scheme. Once approved, you submit your landlord’s written consent with your application.
• Application to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales
  If you believe your landlord has unreasonably refused your request for reasonable adjustments, complaints can be made to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.
  Example: If your landlord rejects the fitting of a grab rail and you feel this is unfair, you can present your case with evidence to the Tribunal.

In all tenancy matters, the Residential Property Tribunal Wales is the official body for resolving disputes between tenants and landlords.

Relevant Legislation and Guidance

• Equality Act 2010: Prohibits disability discrimination and sets out the landlord’s duty for reasonable adjustments.
• Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016: Main housing legislation for Welsh tenants and landlords.
• Government Guidance on Disability Rights in Private Renting

These laws and guides are kept up to date by the Welsh Government and UK housing authorities, so always check official sources when seeking current advice.

1. Can my landlord refuse all requests for accessibility adaptations?
   Your landlord cannot refuse all requests for reasonable adjustments outright. They must consider your needs and only refuse for good reasons, such as if the change would damage or devalue the property.
2. Who pays for accessibility changes in rented properties in Wales?
   In most cases, you or your local council (via grants) cover costs for major adaptations. Landlords are expected not to block minor adjustments that you pay for, or, in some cases, help cover them if they are inexpensive and reasonable.
3. What if my landlord ignores my request for a reasonable adjustment?
   If your landlord fails to respond or refuses unreasonably, contact your local council, a tenant advice service, or apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales for help.
4. Can I apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant if I rent?
   Yes, tenants can apply for a DFG for larger adaptations, but you must have your landlord’s written consent before work starts.
5. Are landlords required to supply accessible furniture or appliances?
   Generally, landlords are not required to provide accessible furniture or white goods, but must allow reasonable alterations or fittings to standard items if these help you live independently.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Residential Property Tribunal Wales – dispute resolution and appeals
• Find your local council in Wales – contact for DFG applications and housing advice
• Welsh Government: Housing help – official advice and guides for tenants
• Equality Advisory and Support Service – help with disability and discrimination issues

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1. Equality Act 2010 (legislation.gov.uk)
2. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 (legislation.gov.uk)
3. Disabled Facilities Grant: official guidance (gov.uk)
4. Residential Property Tribunal Wales
5. Disability rights in private renting (gov.uk)

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