Blog: With rising numbers of renters in later life, can you afford not to adapt your rentals?
Henry Smith, Senior Programme Manager for Homes at the Centre for Ageing Better on why landlords should consider the needs of older renters.
"When we talk about ‘generation rent’, we usually mean young people who are unable to get onto the housing ladder and likely to remain in private rentals for much of their lives.
But we don’t often consider the other end of the age spectrum: the growing numbers of people renting in later life.
In fact, research has shown that since 2003, the number of over 55s living in private rented accommodation has more than doubled.
This demographic shift has major implications for landlords, who must increasingly consider the needs of older renters if they are to find and keep reliable tenants.
The housing issues that many people face in later life stem from the simple fact that we face a dire shortage of homes that are suitable for the needs of older people and those with mobility issues.
Over 90% of older people live in mainstream homes – but only 9% of England’s homes meet basic accessibility standards.
Research commissioned by the Centre for Ageing Better shows that nearly half of over-65s are worried about struggling with everyday activities, like cooking, bathing or eating in the future.
Lockdown has only brought these worries into sharper focus.
According to the latest State of Ageing report, seven in ten of the adults that we surveyed said that lockdown has made them more aware of problems or improvements needed in their home.
Existing evidence commissioned by the Centre for Ageing Better clearly shows that making even small changes to people’s homes – like installing handrails, level-access showers and ramps – can play a huge role in improving people’s quality of life and helping people stay independent for longer.
Therefore, it is crucial that landlords are proactive and supportive in making the small changes older people need to live safely and independently, especially as many renters often don’t know what help there is available, or how to go about adapting their home.
How can landlords adapt their rentals to be more accessible?
The NRLA, in partnership with the Centre for Ageing Better and other organisations, has developed a guide that sets out how private landlords can consider requests for adaptations to make their properties more inclusive and accessible, to ensure their tenants' comfort and safety.
It is also important to note that the costs of these adaptations don’t necessarily need to come out of landlords’ pockets: tenants or landlords can apply for funding from their local authority if the adaptations are classified as minor (grab rails, ramps and lever taps), while larger adaptations (such as installing a level access shower or wet room, widening doorframes, or putting in a stairlift) can often be funded by the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG).
Adaptations can be a long-term investment and a win-win scenario for both renters and landlords.
Accessible rental properties are needed for those with mobility needs, as they want to feel safe and secure in their home. Additionally, by tapping into this gap in the market, accessible properties can help landlords find long term tenants, with a reduced risk of void periods.
At least 80% of UK homes that will exist in 2050 have already been built.
Which is why The Centre for Ageing Better has commissioned the Good Home Inquiry, an evidence-based analysis of England’s housing policies to determine the causes of, and solutions to, the poor quality of so much of our housing. There is a great deal that can be done to make our existing homes safe and suitable for older people – and landlords have a huge role to play, adapting to the needs of older renters so that people live comfortably, safely and independently in later life.
More information
- Learn more about the Adaptations campaign here including our report on Adapting the Private Rented Sector and Good Practice Guidance for landlords.
