Closing the adapted properties gap
NRLA chief executive Ben Beadle on the association’s new guidance showing landlords the role they can play in supporting the UK’s ageing population and disabled renters
Could you provide a home for someone with a disability, or elderly tenant that needs a place offering that little extra help?
Suitable properties are in high demand but short supply, yet many landlords are unaware of the potential within their properties – or the funding available to adapt them.
The NRLA is now asking the government to work with private landlords to bridge the country’s accessibility gap before it is too late.
Its new adaptations guidance – setting out how private landlords can consider requests for adaptations – was created with input from access and adaptation specialists from across the housing sector.
We hope the guide will improve awareness of the opportunities out there when it comes to providing adapted properties for a more diverse range of tenants.
An inclusive PRS which works for all
There is no doubt we have an ageing population, with the proportion of older people making their home in the private rented sector (PRS) set to grow exponentially.
According to recent research conducted by the Social Market Foundation, the number of PRS households headed by a person 65 years or older is set to double by 2046.
With this in mind the NRLA believes now is the time for local authorities and landlords to work together before what is currently a challenge develops into a crisis.
Taking this important step will help expand the number of adapted homes for UK disabled and older renters, ensuring an inclusive PRS which works for all.
But how to do it?
Many tenants who need them say they can’t access adapted properties in the PRS – that these homes simply don’t exist.
At the same time our research suggests that there has been a lack of engagement between local authorities and PRS when it comes to responding to their needs.
Support and funding
Under the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) scheme landlords can claim up to £30,000 (in England) to adapt their property so that it meets the needs of a disabled tenant. The figure is £36,000 in Wales.
However recent research by the NRLA shows 79% of landlords had no knowledge that the scheme existed.
Once they were told about it 68% were more willing to make adaptations.
This is positive news and suggests the will is there, there is just a knowledge gap. Landlords simply don’t know what support is out there or how to access it.
With this in mind, the NRLA is proposing local authorities do more work to raise awareness of the grant scheme and support landlords willing to adapt their homes.
Of course this is not something that will be possible in all properties. Some will not be suitable or have the structural integrity to support some works. But some will – just as some landlords will be only too pleased to make adaptations.
A successful and vibrant private rented sector is an inclusive one, offering homes for all. Please take some time to look and the guidance to see if adapting your property is an option for you.
More information
- To access the full guidance click here.
- As part of this month’s Listen Up Landlords podcast we spoke to Sallie Stone-Bearne, founder of specialist letting agency Branch Properties, which sources adapted and accessible properties and Josh Wintersgill a wheelchair user who has struggled to find a rented home to meet his needs. To listen to the new episode click here.
- To watch a video by NRLA deputy director for policy and campaigns Meera Chindooroy explaining hte new guidance see the main Bulletin page.