Adaptations for disability, ageing and health

You can get adaptations to your home to help you or your family live more independently. These can be small changes like grab rails or bigger ones such as stairlifts or extensions.

If you need adaptations, your landlord has responsibilities under laws like the Regulatory Framework for Social Housing, the Equality Act 2010, the Care Act 2014, and the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996.

How to get adaptations

Getting home adaptations depends on your needs, your home, and your local council. The first step is to contact your council and ask how to start. Usually, you will need to:

• Tell the council you need adaptations
• Have an occupational therapist (OT) visit to see what changes will help you
• Get a report from the OT with their suggestions, which they will send to your housing provider
• Apply for funding from the council

If the adaptations cost less than £1,000, your housing provider should pay for them. Check with your OT or housing officer about how it works in your area.

If the adaptations cost more than £1,000, you can apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG).

Sometimes, the NHS may provide urgent small changes or equipment, like grab rails or temporary ramps, if:

• You are in hospital and need your home adapted to leave safely
• You are unwell and might have to go to hospital without home adaptations

You must get written permission from your landlord before making any changes. Your OT will help you get this permission during your assessment.

Knowing the steps helps you get the right support to make your home safe and easier to live in.

Links to more info

Check if you are eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant

Apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant (by council)

Links to the laws

The Safety and Quality Standard (section 2.4) – landlord responsibility for adaptations under the Regulatory Framework

The Equality Act 2010 (sections 20/21) – This gives tenants the right to ‘reasonable adjustments’ to be made to their homes and communal areas, to enable access and to accommodate needs because of disability. A landlord should only refuse permission if they have ‘reasonable’ grounds.

The Care Act 2014 – Responsibility for disabled children and adults lies with social care services. There are funds for equipment and minor adaptations under £1,000 but limited resources.

Housing Grants, Construction & Regeneration Act 1996. Allocation of funding for the Disabled Facilities Grant.

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