Industry body calls for government to boost support for disabled tenants in PRS

An industry body is urging the government to provide greater support for disabled people to access accessible housing in the private rented sector.

According to Propertymark, 62% of letting agents said it was difficult or very difficult for people with disabilities to secure accessible or adapted homes.

The government has responded to a report on the experiences of disabled people in the housing sector and says it will publish a long-term housing strategy later this year.

Database of accessible homes must include the PRS

Under the Conservatives, the former Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee recommended that local authorities maintain a database of accessible social housing. However, the Labour government has said this should remain at the discretion of individual councils.

Propertymark argue the database of accessible homes must include the private rented sector.

Propertymark said: “We recommend an expanded database that includes all housing types, especially private rented homes, so that councils can fully assess local needs and improve access to suitable accommodation.

“This should be integrated into local plans, ensuring accessible housing is developed in the right locations, close to essential support services.”

Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) should be made available during void periods

Propertymark says whilst the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) helps to cover the cost of adapting a property for the needs of a disabled person, the current allocation formula, set in 2011, is outdated and does not fairly reflect current local needs.

The Labour government has pledged an extra £86 million to fund the DFG in 2024–25 and confirmed funding of £711 million in 2025–26. However, Propertymark are calling for additional funding and for the grants to be made available during void periods.

The industry body said: “We are calling for the DFG in England to be increased from £30,000 to £36,000 to reflect rising construction and labour costs, matching the higher threshold already in place in Wales.

“Furthermore, we are pushing for the grant to be made available during void periods, so landlords can proactively make properties accessible before a new tenancy begins.

“Greater promotion of the grant is also needed to raise awareness among landlords, tenants, and property agents and challenge outdated assumptions around the cost or complexity of adaptations.”

Propertymark have also welcomed the government’s push to improve accessible housing through the National Planning Policy Framework, which makes local authorities consider the housing needs of groups such as older and disabled people.