I have PPMS and my wife and I own our small flat (Leasehold). Sadly, it is becoming more difficult to navigate steps, to small for wheelchair in hallway. Not enough turning space for bathroom. Our management company (Freeholder) will not allow us to make adaptations to the communal areas (ie: ramps for access). I am at a loss as to what to do. I don’t beleive I can apply for social housing since we already own our own home. Selling it would push us into the costly private rented sector with no security of tenure and no guarantee a landlord would allow adaptations either. We have looked at buying a more appropriate property (bungalow) but we cannot get a mortgage now I am not working! I feel stuck in a catch 22 situation. Maybe I’m not seeing everything? Does anyone else have any suggestions, advice, or been in a sililar situation?
It will probably come under the “landlord and tenant act 1927" & possibly the" equality act 2010”@andylangston . Think that they talks about making adaptations in your own property but, I think it can also allow you to ask your landlord if you can make reasonable adjustments to communal areas. And they can’t refuse a reasonable request. There are grants from local councils for money to pay for adaptations. You’ll probably need an assessor to visit you to see what you require first.
Wishing you all the best in seeking out the adaptions you require.
The adult social services at your local council may help to put some pressure on the management company to allow the needed adaptations. It’ll be worth contacting them if you’re not already in touch.
Good luck.
Jon.
Repeating the above.
Contact your local council’s social services and ask for an Occupational Therapist to assess your home.
It will give official weight to your request.
Thanks everyone for your input. Have contacted my local Council and had a referral put in for an OT assessment. Fingers crossed.
Hi, wondering how things are moving for you on this. Any updates?
Cheers
G
Hi G, recently received a letter to inform me that a referral had been made to assess adaptations but this might be a long wait. My understanding is that even if adaptations are approved or recommended it can still take huge amounts of time until anything actually happens.
I think we have come to the conclusion that we will sell our flat and look for a bungalow in a retirement complex with all the facilities already and not on a big, steep hill! Thanks for asking, really appreciated.
I’m sorry to hear it’s come to that but, as a retired NHS physio tech instructor, I’ve been in many retirement complexes and always thought they were great.
Best of luck, Andy.