What are my housing options as a private renter?

If you are a current private tenant, it is important that you do not relinquish your tenancy, even if your home is currently inaccessible. You do not have to be living on the streets to be legally considered homeless. You may be classed as homeless if you are disabled and unable to return home because your property is no longer accessible to you.

If you are in a Spinal Injury Centre, you should speak to your Discharge Officer or Case Manager, who can assist you with making a homeless application to your local council. If you are not in a centre and do not have the support of a Case Manager, you will need to contact your Local Authority directly to ensure they are aware of your situation and to make a homeless application.

Private landlords are not legally required to allow major or structural adaptations to their property, although they must allow minor adaptations, such as grab rails or small modifications. Where landlords do permit major changes, such as converting a bathroom into a wet-room or adapting a kitchen, they may require you to restore the property to its original layout when you leave. While you can apply for funding to complete adaptations, there is no funding available to reverse these changes, so it is essential to check with your landlord before committing to any major works.

If your landlord will not agree to adaptations, or if the property cannot be adapted, it is important to speak with your Local Council to get yourself and your family on the housing list. Not everyone is eligible for social housing, and your council will be able to advise you on your eligibility.

While your Local Council does not have a legal obligation to house you, it does have a duty to provide advice and assistance in finding a new home. The level of support they can provide depends on your personal circumstances. They will first consider whether you have a local connection to the area. They will then look at your financial situation, including income, savings, whether you could afford to buy a property, or whether a suitable property can be found for you through private rent. The council will require supporting evidence for your housing application.

If your housing needs are minimal for example, if you require a property with minimal steps and a standard shower rather than a full wet-room it is unlikely that you will be eligible for social housing on this basis, or you may be given low priority, as these types of properties can usually be found in the private rental sector.

If you do not know which local council you fall under, you can find this information via the following website:

Find your local council - GOV.UK