Renting privately when in a wheelchair can be a nightmare

Many times over the past 25 years, I have had to find a new place to rent. On 5 occasions the owners of the homes my family has rented have sold up and we have had to move out. Honestly, as a person who uses a wheelchair, this is one of the hardest things to do. Think of the houses you see around town: Lots are double storey and more often than not, single storey houses have steps that are too many or two steep to ramp. The options you have when renting with accessibility needs are few and far between. During this phase of my life, the only disability equipment I used was my power wheelchair. But even without the use of other equipment, such as a hoist, the search was difficult. When we found a house that was suitable, the chances of us getting it were slim. I was on a disability pension and my mother was on a carer's pension. When a landlord sees pensions on the application, they tend to look the other way. If I happen to mention I’m in a wheelchair, the chances of renting become lower as I was seen as a potential liability who will be banging into walls or flattening carpets with her wheels. 

We were lucky enough to find a place to rent each time we had to, but it definitely wasn’t easy and it took time. But no place was completely suitable and we had to make little adjustments. Installing a portable ramp over small steps was simple, and it could be removed easily if it needed to be at any stage. For any other modifications that require something more permanent – such as handrails in the bathroom – you need the landlord's permission, but most of the time they won’t allow anything that is permanent. If they do allow it, you will most likely need to pay for the modifications yourself. The NDIS will only pay for modifications to a property once, and they will want to know that you’ll be living in the property for a long time.

In one of our rental properties, there was a large drinks bar in a small room which made it difficult for me to move around. Without it, life would be easier. So we asked permission to remove the bar, store it in the garage and reinstall it when we moved out. That would be easy to do with this bar. However, the landlord replied to us with a no – because his wife liked the bar. His wife wasn’t living in the house and it would be back if she ever wanted to live there, but still no go. 

So if you do have accessibility needs, renting can be really hard. Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) has been fantastic for me. It has given me security of tenure and has allowed me to escape the private rental market – I no longer have to put up with a drink bar blocking my way. 

However, if private rental is the only choice open to you, here are my top tips: 

• Know your rights as a tenant. Tenancy laws vary from state to state, so it’s important to read up on what your rights are for the state you live in. Laws have changed in a number of states which now provide more security and certainty for renters. A quick google search for “tenants rights” will point you in the right direction for your state.
• Chat to your landlord about modifications. Even though I wasn’t allowed to modify the rental that I lived in, it doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to. Modifications to a property can add value and be more accessible to all future tenants. 
• Chat to your support coordinator. Do this as early as you can so you can be on top of all that you need before you move into your rental. You may be able to get funding from the NDIS for any modifications that you need. To use this funding, however, you will need to be sure that you will be able to live in your rental for a significant amount of time. Some of the time the NDIS will pay for modifications once, so if you move out and need modifications again, you may not get funding for it again. There have been instances where they have paid for a second round of modifications at another house, but please discuss this with your support coordinator first.
• Explore your housing options. You may be able to get funding from the NDIS so you can explore what housing options are available to you. Renting may not be your only or best option. 
• Call the NDIS Housing Advice Line. If you have complex support needs, you may find that you could be eligible for SDA. To discuss SDA further and find out more information or have your questions answered, call us at the Housing Hub on 1300 61 64 63.