New guidance for landlords: Understanding Disabled Facilities Grants
To help ensure that tenants with accessibility needs get the adaptations they require, the NRLA has produced a factfinder for landlords on Disabled Facilities Grants. Samuel Leeson, Campaigns and Public Affairs Executive, elaborates further on the funding mechanism and the details covered in our guidance.
The number of tenants requiring properties tailored to their distinct accessibility needs has significantly increased alongside the growth of the private rented sector (PRS).
Recent data suggests that more than 1.2 million households in the sector now accommodate someone living with a disability or long-term illness.
The needs of disabled renters can vary widely, meaning that the installation of adaptations can range from minor adjustments like grab rails to more extensive modifications such as widening doorways or installing permanent ramping.
Installation of these adaptations is in some cases facilitated by Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs), which are distributed by all local authorities, to assist tenants, landlords, and homeowners with covering the costs associated with making adaptations to their properties.
Yet awareness of the grants among private landlords remains relatively low, and the allocation rates of the grant to the PRS lag behind other tenures, despite its relative size. This is notable, considering that NRLA research shows landlords are increasingly willing to adapt their properties after learning about the grant.
Our factfinder, supported by Foundations, a national body who have been at the forefront of advocating for and managing DFGs, aims to address these issues by providing guidance on the grant.
The document tackles key questions such as managing tenants' requests for adaptations, initiating requests themselves, and the amount of available funding.
Speaking on the factfinder, Paul Smith, the Chair of Foundations, said: “The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) Factfinder is an indispensable resource that not only informs but empowers private landlords to contribute positively to the well-being of individuals with disabilities.
"Its user-friendly approach, coupled with practical guidance, makes it an asset for landlords seeking to enhance their understanding of the DFG and actively participate in creating more inclusive living spaces.”
The factfinder complements the guidance we released for landlords in collaboration with various sector organisations in 2021, aimed at helping them manage tenant requests for home adaptations. You can download the guidance document here.
Want to learn more about our adaptations campaign?
• Would you like to help shape NRLA proposals and influence the association's policy positions on adaptations? Register your interest to participate in focus groups exploring incentives to encourage the installation of adaptations here.
• You can explore further details about our work on adaptations by visiting our campaigns webpage.
• To delve into the research we've conducted on adaptations, you can read the findings from our Q4 2021-member consultation here.
• Read more about the work Foundations undertakes.
