Home Adaptations - How the Renters Reform Bill Could Change the Game for Landlords

The upcoming Renters Reform Bill is poised to bring major changes for landlords; from the end of no-fault evictions to the abolishment of fixed term tenancies. But one of the most impactful and often overlooked proposals relates to disabled tenants and property adaptations.

If you’re a landlord in Greater Manchester, it’s important to understand what this means for your properties - and how to stay ahead of the curve. At Homes Reimagined, we don’t just do renovations. We specialise in home adaptations, with the added expertise of an in-house Occupational Therapist and a widely experienced Lettings professional to guide you through both the practical and compliance aspects.

What’s Changing? A Quick Look at the Bill

A key proposal in the Renters Reform Bill is to ensure landlords cannot “unreasonably refuse” requests for adaptations made by disabled tenants. These could include things like:

• Grab rails and stair aids

• Accessible bathrooms or level-access showers

• Improved lighting or sensory-friendly features

• Ramp access or widened doorways

At the moment, landlords have broad discretion to decline such requests. But under the proposed changes, refusals can be challenged by the tenant - especially if adaptations are recommended by a local authority assessment.

What This Means for Landlords

These changes don’t just reflect a legal shift, they reflect a growing demand. Greater Manchester has a significant ageing population and an increasing need for accessible rental homes. Making your property adaptation-ready could soon go from “nice to have” to “essential.”

Failing to comply could also lead to disputes, tenant complaints, or worse; potential legal challenges if requests are not handled fairly.

Why It’s Smart to Act Now

With the bill still under discussion, now is the time to get ahead of legislation. Proactively adapting your properties ensures you're seen to be a responsible landlord committed to inclusive housing.

Not only does this reduce risk, it opens your properties to a wider pool of long-term tenants who value comfort, dignity, and safety in their homes.

How Homes Reimagined Can Help

This is where we come in. As renovation specialists who also focus on accessible and inclusive design, we bridge the gap between compliance and comfort. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Occupational Therapist Involvement: One of the joint Directors at Homes Reimagined is a highly qualified OT, which means we assess adaptations not just for building practicality but for how they meet individual tenant needs.

• Expert Advice from a Lettings Professional: The other Director is a widely experienced and ARLA qualified Lettings Expert, which means you’ll get the best advice as far as compliance to current and upcoming legislation.

• Tailored Renovation Plans: Whether it’s a single change or a whole-home adaptation, we create a plan that works for your property layout and your budget.

• Funding Advice: We can guide you on available grants such as the Disabled Facilities Grant, and help you understand what funding may be available to offset the cost.

• Future-Proofing Rentals: We help landlords create homes that remain desirable and let-ready for a broader market including older tenants and those with mobility needs.

Final Thoughts

The future of renting is more inclusive, more regulated, and more tenant-focused. At Homes Reimagined, we help landlords like you keep up with the changes and lead with care.

Whether you need a simple grab rail fitted or a full-scale adaptation, we’re ready to help you prepare.

Thinking of adapting a rental property? Get in touch for a free consultation — we’ll show you how to comply with upcoming reforms while adding real, long-term value to your investment.