Grants available to landlords and tenants to adapt properties

The proportion of private rented households with tenants aged 65 or over has increased by almost 45 per cent over the last decade according to new analysis of Government data.

The figures come as the NRLA (National Residential Landlords Association) warns that not enough is being done to help landlords access financial support to adapt properties to meet the needs of older people or disabled tenants.

A quarter (over one million) of all private rented households in England have someone living in them with a long-term illness or disability. Despite this, official data shows that 25 per cent of all private rented households which require adaptations say their accommodation is not suitable to meet their needs.

New figures demonstrate the scale of adapted homes challenge

This trend has been driven by a substantial increase in the number of older private renters over the course of the past decade. Government data shows that between 2009/10 and 2019/20 the number of private rented households with residents aged 65 or over has increased by 44 per cent.

Tenants and landlords are eligible for financial support, including through the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG), which funds necessary adaptations of properties. However, a survey of landlords has found that 79 per cent did not know that DFGs existed. Once they were made aware of the Grant, 68 per cent said they would be more willing to make adaptations where required.

Grants available to landlords and tenants to adapt properties

The NRLA calls on local authorities to work with collaboratively to raise awareness among landlords of the financial support available to make the adaptations that many tenants need. Likewise, it also suggests landlords consider how to ensure their properties meet the growing needs of tenants requiring adaptations.

Moreover, landlords should recognise the important market that now exists for such properties. Government grants are available to make changes to property. These include:

•  widen doors and install ramps •  improve access to rooms and facilities - eg stairlifts or a downstairs bathroom •  provide a heating system suitable for your needs •  adapt heating or lighting controls to make them easier to use

Although financial support to make adaptations is available, it is not being advertised anywhere near enough to local landlords by councils. With this in mind there is a Webinar for NRLA members on 21 September 2021. Landlords will find out about the grants available if you need to make changes for a disabled tenant and how they can work with you to improve your property from ramps and facilities to heating and lighting.

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