Your rights if you have a disability

If you, or someone who lives with you, has a disability, the law gives you some practical rights. Please do tell us what would help.

Adjustments you can ask us for

Under the Equality Act 2010, once you ask, we have a duty to make reasonable adjustments so a disability doesn't put you at a substantial disadvantage at home. That can mean:

• Changing how we do things, or a term of your tenancy, for example how we get in touch with you or how the rent is collected.
• Providing an extra aid or service, such as your tenancy agreement or our letters in an accessible format.
• Small practical changes, such as easier door handles or taps, a different doorbell or door entry system, new signs, or painting a door in a contrasting colour. The law doesn't count these as altering the building.

We can't ask you to pay for an adjustment this duty covers. It doesn't stretch to structural work, such as widening a doorway or fitting a permanent ramp.

Bigger changes, with our consent

If your tenancy lets you make improvements with our consent, and a change would make your main home easier for a disabled person to live in, extra rules help you (these don't cover Rent Act protected or statutory tenancies). Ask us in writing. We can't refuse unreasonably or attach unreasonable conditions, and if we say no, we have to tell you why in writing. If a term of your tenancy stops you making alterations and that puts you at a disadvantage, we may need to change it so you can make the change you need.

Help with the cost

Your council may be able to give you a Disabled Facilities Grant for work such as ramps, grab rails, a stairlift, a level access shower or easier heating controls. In England it's up to £30,000, and how much you get usually depends on your household's income and savings. Tenants can apply. The council must give you a decision within 6 months. Don't start work before it approves your application, or you might not get a grant. The grant won't affect any benefits, and a government funded organisation called Foundations can help you apply. Your council can also help with equipment for your home.

If you ever feel treated unfairly because of a disability, see Treated fairly: discrimination and renting.

Find out more

• Disabled Facilities Grants (GOV.UK)
• Apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant through your council (GOV.UK)
• Apply for equipment for your home if you're disabled (GOV.UK)
• Definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010 (GOV.UK)
• Asking for adjustments to help with your disability (Citizens Advice)
• Foundations: help with home adaptations
• Equality Act 2010, Schedule 4: reasonable adjustments in let premises (legislation.gov.uk)
• Equality Act 2010, section 190: improvements for disabled tenants (legislation.gov.uk)