If you rent your home

In short

Council and housing association tenants: contact your landlord first. Social landlords usually arrange adaptations.
Private tenants: you need your landlord's permission for building work.
In England, tenants can apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant. Landlords can also apply.
In Wales, the Welsh Government says all tenants should contact their landlord.
In Scotland and Northern Ireland, the routes are different — see below.

England

GOV.UK says the person who applies for a Disabled Facilities Grant must be the owner, the tenant or the landlord.
Landlords can get a grant without their income and savings being counted. GOV.UK says the council may ask for the home to be let to another disabled person if the current tenant moves out within 5 years.
If you rent privately, you will need your landlord's permission for building work. Talk to them early.
If you rent from the council or a housing association, contact your landlord first.

See Disabled Facilities Grants explained.

Wales

The Welsh Government says that if you live in private rented accommodation, a council house or a housing association property, "you should contact your landlord".

Scotland

Care Information Scotland says:

council tenants: your council may pay for changes to your home
housing association tenants: your landlord may pay
private tenants: you may be eligible for a Housing Adaptations Grant from your council

See help with adaptation costs in Scotland.

Northern Ireland

nidirect says owner-occupiers, landlords and private tenants can get help through a Disabled Facilities Grant.
If you rent from the Housing Executive or a housing association, nidirect says some minor adaptations are available from your landlord without an occupational therapy assessment. Major work needs an assessment, and the occupational therapist sends recommendations to your landlord.

Start with an assessment

Whoever your landlord is, an occupational therapy assessment is usually the first step. How to get an assessment.

Questions people ask

Can I get a grant if I rent my home?

Yes, in many cases. In England, tenants and landlords can apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant, and you will need your landlord's permission for the work. If you rent from the council or a housing association, contact your landlord first. In Wales, the Welsh Government says all tenants should contact their landlord.

Sources we checked

We last checked these sources on 3 October 2026. Rules and amounts can change, so please check with the organisation before you rely on them.

Get an assessment first

An occupational therapist (OT) can visit you at home and recommend what is safe and suitable for you. Ask your council’s adult social care team — in Northern Ireland, your Health and Social Care Trust.

How to get an occupational therapy assessment

This guide is general information, not medical, financial or legal advice. Everyone’s needs are different. Speak to an occupational therapist, your GP or the organisations we link to before making decisions.