Wheelchair adapted properties

Wheelchair adapted properties are homes that have been specifically adapted for people with physical disabilities. Some are purpose-built while others have been adapted to suit the individual needs of a tenant.

What is wheelchair-standard housing?

This type of housing is specifically built or adapted for permanent wheelchair users. Wheelchair-standard homes features include:

• self contained houses or flats located on the ground floor
• wider doorways and passages to allow wheelchair users to move around comfortably
• some bathrooms have walk-in showers with built-in seating and others have baths with hoists that allow the user to be lowered into the bath
• kitchen units are lower for easy access and electrical switches and sockets are within easy reach
• some adapted houses have lifts, giving the wheelchair user the freedom to move around their home.

What is mobility-standard housing?

The type of adaptation found in a mobility-standard home depends on the disability of the person living there. Mobility housing can have:

• ramps outside the home
• handrails in corridors and bathrooms
• toilets that have been raised
• stairlifts for people living in houses and maisonettes.

Who can apply for an adapted property 

Anyone on the housing register can apply.

How to apply for an adapted property

• to access wheelchair and mobility housing, you need to be medically assessed as suitable by a
  Community Occupational Therapist and a Medical Assessment Officer who will then recommend the type of home we can offer you
• the medical recommendation is noted on your application and you will be able to bid for suitable properties through Choice Based Lettings
• if you are a private tenant, you must register for a council property
• if you are already on our Housing Register, contact your caseworker who will arrange for a medical assessment
• if you are applying for the first time, one of the questions on the application form asks if anyone in your home has a disability. If you answer 'yes' to this question, your caseworker will arrange for a medical assessment to be carried out.

Benefits of wheelchair and mobility housing

• allows you to move to a home that has been specifically adapted to meet the needs of people with disabilities
• adaptations can be made to help you remain in your own home, promoting a stable home environment and maintaining local connections.

More advice

For further advice about this scheme, please contact our Housing Options and Advice Service.