A central resource for individuals with congenital or aquired limb loss, their families, carers and healthcare professionals
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Renting

There are three main options available to you if you are currently renting or looking to rent a property.

LOCAL COUNCIL

You can apply for housing from your local council although it is worth bearing in mind that each council has different criteria for entry to its housing register and different waiting lists. Generally you will need to complete an application form to apply for a council property.

On receipt of your application, your council will acknowledge it and your needs will be assessed in accordance with the council’s point’s scheme. These points schemes vary from district to district, but details are readily available on request.

If you have special health or care needs, these will be assessed and taken into account in the priority given to your application. This may involve the council liaising with social services to ensure that your specific needs are catered for, if at all possible. Your choice of housing will be limited and re-housing could take some time as many of the properties owned by the council will not be suitable for wheelchair access or disability friendly.

If you are already living in a council property and your home is now unsuitable for your needs you have a number of options available to you:

  • it is worth noting that Councils, Housing Associations and private landlords can apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant to pay for home adaptations to the property where you are living.
  • You can ask the housing department to make the necessary adaptations for you
  • You can asked to re re-housed in more suitable accommodation

Sheltered housing

Sheltered housing can offer you a range of services to help you live independently, maybe in a smaller and easier to manage home, with the added security of having someone to call on in emergencies.

Sheltered accommodation differs from other housing because of the presence of a scheme manager, or warden, living on the premises or nearby. They can be contacted through an alarm system if necessary. Some schemes are designed specifically for people with disabilities and may have additional facilities and specially trained staff to provide care.

HOUSING ASSOCIATION

Housing associations offer affordable accommodation in cities and rural areas. Some housing associations specialise in accommodation for particular groups of people, such as older people, disabled people or young people. Some offer support services to help you settle into your new home.

Housing Associations work closely with the local council and generally coordinate their allocations programme with the council. When applying for re-housing from your local council you may be offered alternative accommodation with a Housing Association. Your housing officer should be able to provide you with more information on this and whether it will increase your chances of being housed more quickly.
Anyone over 16 can apply for a home through a housing association. Some housing associations specialise in accommodation for disabled people and for elderly people.

How do I find a housing association?
Your council’s housing department will have a list of housing associations in the area, and they are also listed in the Yellow Pages and on the Housingnet website’s http://www.housingnet.co.uk

In Scotland you can contact The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA)

  • 0141 332 8113 (Edinburgh)
  • 0141 332 8113 (Glasgow)

If you are already living in accommodation provided by a Housing Association it is worth noting that Councils, Housing Associations and private landlords can apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant to pay for home adaptations to the property where you are living.

PRIVATE SECTOR

If your needs for adaptations are not too great then you will be able to rent properties in the private sector. Your Occupational Therapist should be able to advise you on what is suitable and what to look for.

If you were already living in private sector housing prior to your amputation you face the challenge of persuading the landlord to allow the necessary adaptations to the property. It is always worth discussing your needs and the adaptations you require with your landlord. It is worth letting them know that they can apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant to pay for home adaptations to the property where you are living. It is worth noting that your landlord may insist that you return the property to its original state at the end of your tenancy.

LIVABILITY (Was the John Grooms Housing  Association)

Is a provider of care homes and nursing care to people with physical or learning disabilities.

As the UK’s largest Christian disability charity, we run a wide range of services for disabled adults and children. This complements our community mission work which supports churches to make their communities a better place to live. We welcome and work with people of all faiths and none.

  • a choice of living styles, locations and levels of support for disabled people – independent, supported living, and living with others
  • flexible care and support packages, enabling disabled people to run their own lives, get out and develop their independence
  • specialist services including brain injury rehabilitation
  • education for children and young adults
  • accessible holiday accommodation
  • campaigning for the rights of disabled people

Click HERE for more information