You can apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) to make your property safer and more accessible for tenants with disabilities. The grant is government-funded and helps with the cost of essential adaptations.
What DFG covers
A DFG can fund a range of adaptations, including:
- stairlifts, ramps, or accessible showers
- widened doors or improved access
- ground-floor living facilities
- accessible kitchens
These changes can help tenants live more independently, stay in their homes for longer, reduce turnover, and improve landlord-tenant relationships.
Please note: the grant only covers work that is necessary, appropriate, reasonable and practicable, based on the assessment.
What landlords need to know
- If you apply for DFG as a landlord, it’s not means tested, which can speed up the application process.
- Tenants can apply for DFG, but there’s a financial assessment (means test), and landlord consent is required before work can begin.
- Adaptations may increase your property’s long-term value and appeal.
- If your home is a house in multiple occupation (HMO), make sure you have the correct HMO licence.
For more information, read the National Residential Landlords Association Disabled Facilities Factfinder.
How to apply
Contact the Adult Social care helpdesk on 023 9268 0810 to request an Occupational Therapy assessment of your tenant’s needs.
What happens after you apply
1. Occupational Therapy assessment
An Occupational Therapist (OT) will:
- assess if your tenant has an enduring and substantial disability that affects their use of essential home facilities
- visit your property and carry out an assessment
- identify the tenant’s needs and create an action plan.
If an adaptation is considered necessary and appropriate, and the tenant agrees, the OT will refer the case to Private Sector Housing (PSH) for a landlord DFG. You can also use a private OT for the assessment. If the grant is approved, their fees can be included.
2. Property survey and quotes
After the OT referral, we’ll contact you to complete paperwork and arrange a property survey. We’ll create plans and a specification for the proposed work.
You can use our Home Improvement Agency Service to get quotes and application support (costs are covered by the grant, if approved). You can also get your own quotes and submit them to us.
3. Grant formal approval
We’ll review the quotes for best value. If all the paperwork and permissions are in place, we’ll formally approve the grant.
Do not start any work until you’ve received approval.
4. Works start and complete
The contractor will agree a start date with you and/or the tenant. When the work is finished, we’ll process payment after receiving all required documents and confirmation from you that the work is complete.
More information
- Foundations – the national body for home improvement agencies has resources, case studies, and guidance for landlords about Disabled Facilities Grants.
- Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) delivery: guidance for local authorities in England – GOV.UK
- The Housing Renewal Grants (Landlord’s Applications) (England) Direction 1996
- Landlord Applications for DFG
- Housing Associations and Home Adaptions
- Landlord Application for a Disabled Facilities Grant
- Foundations LIVE April 2024: Meera Chindooroy – YouTube
- Foundations LIVE April 2024: Guy Harris – YouTube
- Foundations LIVE April 2024: Stuart Fearn – YouTube
Contact us
If you have any questions, email us about landlord DFG (psh@portsmouthcc.gov.uk). You can also leave your phone number to request a call back.