Understanding Disability Adjustments
Disability adjustments in housing are changes or adaptations made to a home to help people with disabilities live more comfortably and independently. These adjustments are designed to remove barriers and make everyday activities easier, whether you rent your property, own your home, or live in social housing.
Under the Equality Act 2010, landlords and housing providers have a legal duty to make “reasonable adjustments” for disabled tenants. This means they must take steps to ensure that people with disabilities are not placed at a disadvantage compared to others. Councils and housing associations also have responsibilities to consider and provide necessary adaptations, especially where these changes are essential for health, safety, or daily living.
Disability adjustments are vital for improving accessibility and comfort in the home. For many people, simple changes can make a significant difference. Common examples include:
Installing ramps or stairlifts to make entering and moving around the property easier for wheelchair users or those with mobility difficulties.
Widening doorways to allow wheelchairs or walking aids to pass through safely.
Adding grab rails in hallways, bathrooms, and near steps to provide extra support and prevent falls.
Adapting bathrooms with features like walk-in showers, raised toilet seats, or accessible sinks.
Lowering kitchen worktops and cupboards for easier access.
These adjustments not only help with physical access but also promote independence and dignity. By making homes safer and more usable, disability adaptations can significantly improve quality of life, reduce the risk of accidents, and support people to remain in their own homes longer.
If you or someone you live with has a disability, you have the right to request reasonable adjustments from your landlord or local council. Support is available to help with the cost and process of making these changes. You may also be eligible for housing assistance, which covers a range of support options beyond physical adaptations.
Understanding your rights and the types of adjustments available is the first step towards creating a home that meets your needs. If you think you might benefit from disability adjustments, it’s important to speak to your landlord or local authority about your options and the support you can access.
Legal Rights and Responsibilities
People with disabilities in the UK have important legal rights when it comes to housing. These rights are protected by laws such as the Equality Act 2010, which makes it unlawful for landlords, letting agents, or housing providers to discriminate against someone because of their disability. The Act requires that people with disabilities must not be put at a disadvantage compared to others, and that steps should be taken to remove barriers where possible.
If you rent your home – whether privately or through a housing association – your landlord has a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments to help you live comfortably and safely. Reasonable adjustments are changes or adaptations that make it easier for you to use your home. Examples include:
Allowing you to make minor adaptations, such as installing grab rails or ramps
Changing policies or procedures, like allowing a guide dog even if pets are usually not allowed
Providing information in accessible formats, such as large print or audio
Landlords are not required to make changes that would fundamentally alter the structure of the property or cause significant disruption or expense. However, they must consider each request fairly and cannot refuse without good reason. If you believe your landlord is not meeting their legal responsibilities, you may have grounds to challenge their decision.
Local councils also have a duty to support disabled people who need adaptations to their homes. This can include providing grants, such as the Disabled Facilities Grant, to help cover the cost of necessary changes. Councils must assess your needs and offer support for adaptations like stairlifts, accessible showers, or widened doorways. If you are a council tenant, the council is usually responsible for arranging and funding these adjustments.
The term ‘reasonable adjustments’ means that landlords and housing providers must take practical steps to ensure disabled tenants are not disadvantaged. What is considered reasonable depends on factors such as:
The cost and practicality of the adjustment
The size and resources of the landlord or housing provider
The impact on other tenants
For example, installing a handrail in a communal hallway is likely to be considered reasonable, while completely redesigning a building may not be. For more detail on what counts as a reasonable adjustment, you can read guidance from Disability discrimination: UK employment law | CIPD.
Your rights to disability adjustments apply whether you live in social housing, private rented accommodation, or council housing. In social housing, providers have clear responsibilities to support tenants with disabilities, often working closely with local councils to arrange and fund necessary adaptations. In private rentals, landlords must still consider requests for reasonable adjustments, though you may need to discuss who will pay for any changes.
If you are unsure about your rights or how to request an adjustment, it’s a good idea to speak to your landlord, housing provider, or local council. They are required by law to consider your needs and support you in accessing suitable housing.
How to Request Disability Adjustments
If you need changes to your home because of a disability, the law gives you the right to ask for reasonable adjustments. This applies whether you rent from a private landlord, housing association, or local council. Here’s how you can make your request and what to expect during the process.
Under the Equality Act 2010, landlords and housing providers must consider reasonable adjustments to help disabled tenants live comfortably and safely. Adjustments can include installing ramps, widening doorways, or fitting grab rails in bathrooms.
Before making your request, collect evidence to support your need for adjustments. This could include:
A letter or report from your GP or specialist describing your disability and how it affects your daily life.
An assessment from an occupational therapist outlining the specific changes that would help you.
Any relevant documentation about your medical condition or mobility needs.
Having clear evidence can make it easier for your landlord or housing provider to understand your situation and respond appropriately.
It’s best to put your request in writing. This creates a formal record and helps avoid misunderstandings. In your letter or email, include:
A clear description of your disability and how it impacts your use of the property.
The specific adjustments you are requesting (for example, a stairlift or accessible shower).
Supporting evidence, such as medical reports or an occupational therapist’s assessment.
A reference to your rights under the Equality Act 2010.
Be polite but clear about your needs. You can ask your local council or a disability support organisation for help with drafting your request if needed.
Occupational therapists play a key role in assessing your needs. They can visit your home, recommend suitable adaptations, and provide a report to support your request. Sometimes, the council can arrange for an occupational therapist to carry out a free assessment if you ask for help with home improvements.
If your landlord refuses your request without a good reason, or does not respond, you have options:
Remind them of their legal duties under the Equality Act 2010.
Seek advice from your local council, Citizens Advice, or a disability advocacy group.
You may be able to make a formal complaint or, in some cases, take legal action for discrimination.
Local councils and housing associations have additional responsibilities under the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996, which may entitle you to funding for certain adaptations through a Disabled Facilities Grant.
If you’re unsure about the process or need financial support, your local council can advise you on available grants and services. For more details on funding and practical support, see our guide to help with home improvements.
Taking these steps can help ensure you get the adjustments you need to live safely and independently in your home.
Financial Support for Disability Adjustments
If you need to make changes to your home because of a disability, you may be able to get financial help to cover the costs. There are a range of grants, benefits, and discounts available to support people with disabilities in making necessary adaptations, whether you rent, own your home, or live in social housing.
One of the main sources of funding is your local council. If you need major adaptations – such as installing a stairlift, widening doorways, or adding ramps – you may be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG). This is a government-backed scheme that can provide up to £30,000 in England, £36,000 in Wales, and £25,000 in Northern Ireland to help pay for essential changes. The amount you receive depends on your household income and savings, and the council will usually assess your needs through an occupational therapist.
For smaller adaptations, such as grab rails or lever taps, councils may offer minor adaptations free of charge or at a reduced cost. It’s important to contact your local council’s housing or social services department to discuss what help is available and how to apply.
In addition to council grants, there may be other government schemes available to help with the cost of adaptations. For example, if you receive certain disability benefits, you may qualify for additional support or fast-tracked applications. Some charities and non-profit organisations also offer grants for specific needs, so it’s worth exploring all your options.
If you receive Housing Benefit, it may help cover some of the extra housing costs that arise from making disability adjustments. For instance, if adaptations mean you need a larger property or an extra bedroom for a carer, you may be entitled to additional support. The rules around this can be complex, so it’s a good idea to seek advice or check the details with your local benefits office. For further guidance, visit Asking for adjustments to help with your disability – Citizens Advice.
If your home has been adapted for a disabled person, you may also qualify for a reduction in your council tax bill. The Disabled Band Reduction Scheme allows you to pay a lower rate if you have certain features in your home, such as an extra bathroom or room needed because of a disability, or if you use a wheelchair indoors. In some cases, you may be exempt from council tax altogether. Each local authority has its own application process, so check with your council to see what you’re entitled to.
Eligibility for financial support depends on various factors, including your income, savings, type of disability, and the adaptations needed. Most schemes require an assessment, and you’ll usually need to provide evidence of your disability and the necessity of the changes. Application procedures can vary, so it’s important to get in touch with your local council or relevant benefit office as early as possible.
If you’re unsure where to start, organisations like Citizens Advice can offer step-by-step guidance and help you navigate the application process. By exploring all available options, you can make sure you receive the support you need to live comfortably and independently in your home.
Eligibility and Residency Requirements
To qualify for disability adjustments or other housing support in the UK, you usually need to meet certain eligibility and residency requirements. One of the most important factors is your habitual residence status. Understanding this status is crucial before you apply, as it directly affects whether you can access support from your local council or housing association.
In UK housing law, being habitually resident means that the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or the Republic of Ireland is your main home and you plan to stay here for the foreseeable future. This is not just about where you live right now, but also about your intentions and the strength of your connection to the country. Authorities look at various factors, such as how long you’ve lived in the UK, your reasons for coming, your work and family ties, and whether you have a settled lifestyle here.
If you have recently moved or returned to the UK, you may need to prove your habitual residence before you can get help with housing or disability adaptations. This requirement applies to most people applying for social housing, homelessness assistance, or grants for home adaptations.
Councils and housing providers use habitual residence rules to decide who can access public funds and services, including disability adjustments. If you are not considered habitually resident, your application for support or adaptations may be refused, even if you have a disability. This rule is in place to make sure that support is given to people who have made the UK their main home.
The habitual residence test usually applies if you:
Have recently arrived in the UK, or returned after living abroad
Are applying for housing support, including disabled facilities grants or adaptations
Are not a British citizen, or have lived outside the UK for a significant period
Some people, such as refugees, certain family members of UK nationals, or those with settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, may be exempt from the test. However, most applicants will need to show they are habitually resident.
Before applying for disability adjustments, it’s important to check if you need to prove your habitual residence. You may be asked for documents like tenancy agreements, proof of employment, or evidence of family ties. If you’re unsure about your status or what evidence is needed, see the habitual residence page for a detailed explanation. For practical guidance on the habitual residence test and the type of evidence you might need, visit Showing habitual residence to get help with housing – Citizens Advice.
Understanding your eligibility and residency status is the first step in accessing the support you need. If you meet the habitual residence requirement, you can move forward with your application for housing adaptations or other disability-related assistance.
Finding Suitable Accessible Housing
Finding accessible housing that meets your needs can feel daunting, but there are several options and support services available in the UK to help you find a suitable home. Whether you are looking for a property with step-free access, wider doorways, or other adaptations, understanding your choices and knowing where to look is essential.
Many people with disabilities find that social housing offers properties specifically designed or adapted for accessibility. Local councils and housing associations often have homes with features such as ramps, wet rooms, or lifts. When applying for social housing, you can state your specific accessibility needs, and your application will be assessed based on your requirements and level of priority, as outlined in the Housing Act 1996.
Another route is through affordable housing schemes. These programmes, which include shared ownership and discounted rent options, sometimes offer accessible homes or can arrange for necessary adaptations before you move in. It’s important to check with the scheme provider about the availability of adapted or adaptable properties.
When searching for a new home, start by making a clear list of the adaptations you need, such as step-free entrances, accessible bathrooms, or lower kitchen counters. Estate agents, local councils, and housing associations can help match you with properties that fit your requirements. Be specific about your needs when you register or apply – this ensures your application is assessed correctly and increases your chances of being matched with a suitable property.
Many property search websites and local council housing registers have filters for accessible or adapted homes. If you’re already living in social or affordable housing but your needs have changed, you may be able to request a transfer to a more suitable property.
If you need extra support, housing assistance services can help guide you through the process. These services can offer advice on your rights under the Equality Act 2010, help you find properties that meet your needs, and assist with applications or appeals if you feel your requirements are not being met. Some organisations can also help you access grants for adaptations if you find a property that needs changes to be suitable.
By exploring all available options and making use of support services, you can improve your chances of finding a home that is both accessible and comfortable. For more detailed guidance, see our information on social housing, affordable housing, and housing assistance.
