Adaptations Policy
The aim of this policy
To work together with statutory and voluntary partner agencies to ensure the needs of tenants with disabilities are reasonably met, whilst also ensuring that Key Workers Housing Association Ltd (KWHA) manages its property portfolio effectively and responsibly.
Applicability
This policy applies to all tenants of property owned by KWHA. Whilst it applies to Starter Tenancies, we would expect that we would be made aware at the point of offer, that adaptations to the property would be required.
This policy does not apply to leasehold, shared ownership or properties with live Right to Buy/Right to Acquire applications. Leaseholders who may require adaptations to their homes should seek the advice of the local authority as they may be entitled to a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG).
Policy Statement
This policy sets out how we will assess requests for disabled adaptations to properties within our ownership and also, how we will repair and maintain them.
We are committed to ensuring that tenants with a disability or mobility issue can live independently and safely within their homes by working both independently and with partner agencies to carry out reasonable adaptations as necessary. To deliver this effectively, we will balance the needs of individual residents, future tenants, the cost of adaptations and the impact on the property.
What is ‘reasonable’ will depend on the particular circumstances relating to each individual request.
We may facilitate a transfer to another property, if this is the more appropriate solution.
We will consider carrying out minor aids and adaptations work or give consent for works to be carried out to our housing as follows:
• It has been requested by a KWHA tenant for themselves or another member of their household and /or the work has been recommended by a qualified Occupational Therapist (OT).
• The property is the principal residence of the person who requires the adaptation. • It is practical for the work to be undertaken.
• There is available funding
• The work would not present KWHA with extensive costs when the adaptations require removal, during or at the end of the tenancy.
• We will ensure that all adaptations are maintained and repaired appropriately with partner agencies.
Policy
Within this policy the term “Aids and Adaptations” refers to modifications or specialist equipment designed to assist tenants in carrying out everyday tasks more easily and safely.
We will categorise requests for aids and adaptations as either minor or major, with the distinction being based on the nature, complexity, reasonableness and value for money of the work required. Each request will be dealt with on a case by case basis.
Where a property is less than 12 years old, we will check any building warranties to ensure the proposed work does not invalidate them. For example, some contemporary insulation membranes do not allow for certain breaches of wall surfaces.
Minor adaptations:
Minor adaptations are defined as work that does not significantly alter the structure of the property and, typically costs less than £500. For example;
Grab rails
Banister rails
Lever taps
Key safes
At the initial request stage, a request for an adaptation will be dealt with by our Housing Team. If the adaptation requested is minor, considered reasonable and expected to cost less than £500 an order will be raised and carried out by our appointed contractor. Depending on the complexity of the request, a member of the Housing Team and /or surveyor may need to inspect the property, before the work is approved to clarify scope and budget.
Major adaptations
Major adaptations are defined as work to the property that typically costs more than £500 and usually materially alters the structure of the property. For example: Wet rooms
Level access showers
Over-bath showers
Ramps
Stair Lifts
Specialist door intercom systems
If a request for a major adaptation is received, the Housing Team will discuss with the tenant to establish whether a transfer to a more suitable or adapted home is a preferred option, whether this is a property owned by KWHA or another housing provider.
Funding or Permission for Adaptations with a value over £500
KWHA does not typically carry out major adaptations of a value in excess of £500 but will assist tenants seeking housing adaptations services by signposting them to the relevant local authority or service provider, depending on the requirement. Through close collaboration, we will ensure tenants know what is available to them.
The relevant service provider, usually the local authority (LA), will assess the requirement and suitability of the requested adaptation, with the support of an Occupational therapist’s (OT) report.
We will communicate clearly with the relevant LA led Disabilities Facilities Grant (DFG) scheme on receipt of permissions, which will not reasonably be withheld. The LA is not permitted to carry out works until we have given consent and we aim to respond to permission requests within a reasonable timescale, unless the works are deemed urgent, in which case the response will be expedited.
Eligibility
KWHA reserves the right to refuse to fund or provide permission for adaptations for a number of reasons including where:
• There is a current Right to Buy/ Right to Acquire application
• There is no record of the person requiring the adaptation recorded as a tenant or household member. It is the tenant’s responsibility to ensure occupancy details are up to date and we are informed of any changes
• The adaptation appears to be to alleviate overcrowding
• The tenant is actively seeking re-housing
• The tenant’s needs would be better met by transferring to alternative accommodation
• There has been a serious breach of tenancy resulting in legal notice being served • The applicant is in rent arrears
• It would have an adverse effect on neighbouring properties or residents • The adaptation is unreasonable for the property and would affect future letting • (Unless by exception) A wet room is proposed for a room above the ground floor • The adaptation would contravene legislation or regulation
• The alteration would require the introduction of a new service charge. Repairs and Maintenance
Minor adaptations funded and provided by KWHA will continue to be maintained in line with our repairs policy.
Adaptations funded by a DFG are usually covered by a 12 month warranty after which time the adaptation becomes the property and responsibility of the tenant.
We will not carry out repairs or maintenance to aids and adaptations when we did not provide the equipment. For example:
Stairlifts
Macerators
Ramps
Alterations provided through a DFG that become a key component of the property will be maintained by KWHA after the warranty period, for example:
Wet rooms
Adapted kitchens
(These may be maintained using standard specified materials which may vary from the original specification of the installation).
Future Allocation of adapted properties
KWHA is committed to ensuring that a new tenant can benefit from existing alterations and avoid removing adaptations on void properties where possible. In line with our Allocation Policy, and working with LAs, we will endeavour to allocate adapted homes appropriately, based on need.
We reserve the right to refuse a request for mutual exchange where the property has design features for the physically disabled and on the assignment, there would be no disabled person living at the property to benefit from them.
This policy operates within the context of the following statutory requirements:
• Human Rights Act (1998)
• Housing Act (2004)
• Housing Grants Construction and Regeneration Act (1996) as amended by the Regulatory Reform Order, 2002.
• Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act (1970)
• The Care Act (2014)
This policy will be reviewed every 3 years.
We monitor our performance in complying with our legal obligations and report regularly through our Housing Team to the members of our committee.
Approved by: Karin Hensher (Lead Housing Officer) Signed, 31st January 2026
Key Workers Housing Association Ltd.
An Exempt Charity Registered under The Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965 No. 26953R
Tayfield House, 38 Poole Road, Bournemouth BH4 9DW
Tel: 01425 470044 email: info@keyworkershousing.co.uk