Renting with a disability: finding an accessible room
How to search for an accessible room, what to ask at a viewing, and the adjustments a landlord has to make under equal status law (and the limits).
- Rooms to rent
- How to choose a lodger fairly (and legally)
- IHREC – reasonable accommodation
- IHREC – disability and housing
Searching
On StayLister, use the "Wheelchair accessible" filter under More filters, and check each ad's photos and description. Ask the advertiser directly about anything you need: they're usually happy to answer before a viewing.
What to ask
Steps at the entrance and inside, the width of doors and hallways, which floor the room is on and whether there's a lift, the bathroom (level-access shower, grab rails), parking close to the door, and how far the nearest accessible bus or train stop is.
Ask for extra photos or a video of the entrance, the bathroom and the room before you travel to a viewing.
Your rights
Under the Equal Status Acts, a landlord or housing provider can't discriminate on the ground of disability, and must make "reasonable accommodation": adjustments that make the service possible for you, unless they cost more than a nominal amount. What counts as nominal depends on the provider's size and resources.
In practice that means small, cheap adjustments, like documents in large print or help at a viewing. Major building work usually isn't required.
Equal status law doesn't apply to renting a room in someone's own home.
Common questions
Does a landlord have to make adjustments for a disability?
They must make reasonable accommodation unless it costs more than a nominal amount. Small, cheap adjustments can be expected; major works usually can't.
How do I find accessible rooms?
Use the "Wheelchair accessible" filter, and ask advertisers for photos or a video of the entrance and bathroom.