Looking to make PRS more accessible for disabilities

The National Landlords Association (NLA) has joined with key players in the aged and disability sectors to promote the need for accessible housing within the private rented sector (PRS).

In a roundtable hosted by the NLA, attendees discussed the current state of landlords’ awareness of housing modification grants, the challenges they face and potential incentives to encourage landlords to make their properties accessible. Attendees at the meeting included representatives from Age UK, Foundations, the Nationwide Foundation, the Centre for Aging Better and Abode Impact (a housing modification company).

Research by Foundations shows that only seven percent of Disabled Facilities Grants go to private tenants, while three quarters (73%) of older renters live with a disability or chronic illness. Meanwhile, the English Housing Survey 2017/18 shows that a quarter (23%) of private tenants live with a long-term illness or disability.

Meera Chindooroy, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at the NLA, says:

“There is an acute shortage of accessible housing in the PRS. But with the aging population, this is something that we need to be thinking about and changing now so it doesn’t become an even bigger issue in the years to come. Landlords need to be proactive in meeting this demand.

“The roundtable is just the first step; landlords and experts need to work collaboratively to ensure those living with disability, limited mobility and chronic illness have homes that are suitable for their needs. We’re developing a report outlining the changes that are required alongside guidance to support landlords to offer accessible properties to rent.”