Reasonable Adjustments for Disabled Renters in Wales

If you’re a renter in Wales and have a disability or long-term mental health condition, it’s important to know you have the legal right to request reasonable adjustments from your landlord. These adjustments aim to remove barriers so you can live comfortably and safely in your home. Understanding how these rights work will help you take action and access support if needed.

What Are Reasonable Adjustments?

Reasonable adjustments are changes that landlords or letting agents must consider making to ensure that disabled people are not disadvantaged compared to non-disabled renters. The requirement stems from the Equality Act 2010, which applies across Wales and the rest of the UK.^[1]

• They can involve physical changes to your property or changes to policies, rules, or communication methods.
• A "disability" means having a long-term physical or mental impairment that substantially affects your ability to do normal daily activities.

Your landlord sometimes must make, or allow, reasonable adjustments unless doing so would be unreasonable (for example, due to safety or financial factors).

Types of Reasonable Adjustments in Housing

Adjustments can vary widely, depending on your individual needs and the property involved. Typical examples include:

• Permitting minor adaptations, such as grab rails or ramps at entrances
• Allowing changes to communication, such as providing tenancy documents in large print or easy-read formats
• Allowing an assistance dog, even if there’s a no-pets policy, if you rely on one due to a disability
• Altering rules or policies where they disadvantage disabled renters (e.g., flexibility with rent payment deadlines due to a mental health crisis)

The law requires landlords to consider all requests seriously but doesn’t require them to agree to all changes—only those considered reasonable.

Physical Changes (Alterations)

A landlord usually isn’t required to pay for or make permanent physical alterations. However, under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014, certain local authority and housing association landlords must consider requests, and the landlord’s consent for minor adaptations cannot be unreasonably withheld.^[2]

Requesting Reasonable Adjustments: Steps to Take

Here’s how to seek reasonable adjustments in Wales:

• Step 1: Identify your needs – Think about barriers you face and how these could be removed in your home.
• Step 2: Write to your landlord, letting agent, or housing association with your request. Be clear about what adjustment you need and why. You may wish to include a letter from your GP or support worker.
• Step 3: Allow time for a response. Your landlord should consider your request and reply in writing.
• Step 4: If your request is refused or ignored, you may be able to challenge the decision or make a complaint.

Relevant Official Forms

• Letter requesting reasonable adjustment (no official government reference number)
  There isn’t a prescribed form, but Shelter Cymru provides a useful template for requesting reasonable adjustments.
  Use this when you wish to formally ask your landlord for a change (e.g., to have a ramp fitted), detailing your disability and what adjustment you need.
• Disability Facilities Grant (DFG) Application
  If bigger adaptations are needed (like grab rails, ramps, or accessible showers), you may be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant from your local council.
  Apply through your local authority (find your council on the UK Government website).

Tribunals and Disputes: Where to Get Help

If your landlord refuses a reasonable adjustment and you believe this is discrimination, you may be able to take action:

• The Civil and Family Courts in Wales handle discrimination claims under the Equality Act 2010.^[1]
• Some housing disputes may go to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.
• You can also complain through your landlord's official complaints procedure or raise the matter with the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales.

Local authorities and councils have duties under both the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 and the Equality Act 2010.

Legislation Protecting Renters

• The Equality Act 2010 – covers disability discrimination and reasonable adjustments
• The Housing (Wales) Act 2014 – governs landlord and tenant duties in Wales

FAQ: Reasonable Adjustments in Housing (Wales)

1. What counts as a reasonable adjustment in Welsh rented homes?
   Adjustments can include physical changes (like adding ramps or rails), changes to rules (such as allowing assistance dogs), or changes to paperwork (large print, easy read). What is reasonable will depend on individual circumstances, cost, health and safety, and the impact on others.
2. Does my landlord have to pay for adaptations?
   Private landlords usually do not have to pay for major adaptations, but they must consider requests for minor changes and shouldn't unreasonably withhold consent. Funding for bigger adaptations may be available through Disabled Facilities Grants from your local council.
3. What if my landlord refuses or ignores my request?
   You can challenge a refusal using your landlord's complaints process. If you're not satisfied, you may bring a discrimination claim in the county court or, for specific disputes, approach the Residential Property Tribunal Wales. Seek advice from a tenant support service or local council.
4. Is there an official form to request an adjustment?
   There’s no single official UK form. A written letter or email explaining your needs is usually enough. Templates are available from organisations like Shelter Cymru.
5. Can I be evicted for asking for an adjustment?
   It’s unlawful for landlords to evict, harass, or treat you unfairly because you requested a reasonable adjustment related to your disability.

Key Takeaways for Renters in Wales

• You have the legal right to request reasonable adjustments and your landlord must consider them.
• Requests should be made in writing; support from a GP or advocate can help.
• If you feel you’ve been discriminated against, formal complaints and legal action are possible, with support services available.

Knowing your rights will empower you to live independently and comfortably as a renter in Wales.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Welsh Government: Housing Support – guidance and policy information
• Welsh Government Housing Advice for Tenants
• Shelter Cymru – free, confidential advice for renters in Wales
• Equality Advisory & Support Service (EASS) – advice on disability rights and discrimination
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales – for certain tenancy disputes and appeals
• Public Services Ombudsman for Wales – complaints about councils and social landlords

1. ^[1] See Equality Act 2010 (legislation.gov.uk)
2. ^[2] See Housing (Wales) Act 2014