Looking to make PRS more accessible for disabilities

Looking to make PRS more accessible for disabilities

8:14 AM, 12th August 2019, About 5 years ago 3

Text Size

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.”


Share This Article


Comments

Jit

11:29 AM, 12th August 2019, About 5 years ago

Hi, I would love to get involved with this as I am undertaking a 12 unit development and looking into grants, DDA regulations and general requirements regarding social housing. Can someone contact me or provide contact details to discuss.
Best regards,
Jit Patel
JNP PROPERTIES LTD
0791 2352485

John walker

18:03 PM, 12th August 2019, About 5 years ago

reply to Jit,
Check whether there is an Access Group in your area. These are voluntary groups set up to assist the disabled, ,what ever the disability, which here in Brecknockshire have been active for many years We are now well on our way to establishing similar groups in the rest of Powys. (Radnorshire and Montgomeryshire).

Paul Smith

20:36 PM, 13th August 2019, About 5 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Jit at 12/08/2019 - 11:29
Check out adaptmyhome.org.uk

Leave Comments

In order to post comments you will need to Sign In or Sign Up for a FREE Membership

or

Don't have an account? Sign Up

Landlord Tax Planning Book Now