Home adaptations in rented homes: What letting agents need to know

As more people live with long-term health conditions and disabilities, letting agents are increasingly likely to come across requests for home adaptations. These might be simple changes, such as grab rails or small access improvements, or more significant works such as level access showers, stairlifts or ramps.

Foundations UK provide local authority staff with straightforward advice, practical support, and easy-to-use tools to manage home repair and adaptation projects. This session, hosted by Paul Smith from Foundations UK and the Propertymark Policy & Campaigns Team, will give a practical overview of how adaptation requests arise, what Disabled Facilities Grants are, and why landlords and agents may be asked to give consent or provide information.

It will look at common concerns around property condition, reinstatement, maintenance and future lettings, and how agents can respond in a way that is clear, fair and proportionate. The aim is to help agents understand the basics, avoid unnecessary delays, and support better conversations between tenants, landlords and local authorities.

Speakers

Paul Smith

Managing Director, Foundations

Paul joined as Director of Foundations in 2015 after spending 25 years working in local government for unitary, district and county councils. Originally qualifying as a Building Surveyor and designing hundreds of home adaptations, Paul went on to manage two award-winning Home Improvement Agencies. He has also spent time as a commissioner of extra care housing and HIA services.

Tim Thomas

Senior Policy and Campaigns Officer, Propertymark

Tim is leading on Welsh policy for the Private Rented Sector. Prior to joining the Propertymark team, Tim amassed over fifteen years’ experience working in policy and research roles including roles with several Welsh local authorities, third sector organisations and more recently was the Campaigns and Public Affairs Officer at the National Residential Landlords Association.