Resident guidance: Rented tenants - Last updated 12 June 2026

Aids and adaptations

We want all residents to enjoy a good quality of life and for you to continue living independently and safely in your home for as long as possible.

If you need equipment or changes to your rented home because of a health condition, disability or reduced mobility, this page explains how to request different types of aids and adaptations and how they are funded.

In this guidance you’ll find:

What are aids and adaptations?
Requesting minor adaptations
Requesting major adaptations
How major adaptations are funded
How long do aids and adaptation requests take?
What happens if a request can’t be agreed?
How to get more help and advice

What are aids and adaptations?

Aids and adaptations are changes or additions to your home that help you live more independently, safely and comfortably.

These can range from small pieces of equipment to larger changes to the layout of your home.

Requesting minor adaptations

Minor adaptations are usually simple changes and are managed by your local housing team. To make a request speak to your location manager.

Anchor funds minor aids and adaptations for residents with an identified need or requirement in rented housing up to £1,000, subject to budget availability.

Examples include:

Grab rails
Handrails
Lever taps
Shower seats

Minor adaptations are usually provided quickly, often within 15 days, and normally without a waiting period.

You do not usually need an Occupational Therapist (OT) assessment for minor adaptations. However, in more complex cases, advice from an OT, GP or a trusted assessor may be helpful.

Requesting major adaptations

Major adaptations are larger changes to your home and will be processed by Anchor's Aids and Adaptions team in the Customer Experience Hub.

Examples include:

Wet rooms or level‑access showers
Ramps
Stair lifts
Kitchen alterations
Areas of level access
Specialist equipment

Major adaptations can involve new responsibilities, for example, if you have a stair lift installed inside your property, you will be responsible for its ongoing maintenance, repairs, servicing and insurance.

Major adaptations can be funded in several ways and usually require a professional assessment.

To make a request you can speak to your location manager about beginning the process or contact the Aids and Adaptions team directly at [email protected] or on 0300 123 7090.

How major adaptations are funded

Major adaptations can be funded through:

Private funds
A Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) from your local council
A contribution from Anchor, in certain circumstances

Funding may also be available from other agencies offering grants such as Independence at Home.

Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs)

DFGs are administered by local councils and help pay for adaptations that allow people to live independently in their home.

An OT assessment is usually required which the council will use to assess whether the work is necessary, reasonable and practical. The amount awarded then depends on a financial assessment of your weekly income in relation to your outgoings. Depending on the outcome of this assessment the financial assistance offered can vary from nothing to 100% of the cost of the adaptation.

When applying, you’ll be asked to confirm that the adapted home is intended to be your main residence.

Anchor funding for major adaptations

We may contribute up to 40% of the cost of a major adaptation in certain situations.

Anchor may contribute when:

A local authority is not in a position to meet any more than 60% of funding for major adaptations costing between £1,000 and £10,000.
A DFG or other funding application has been unsuccessful.
You choose not to apply for a DFG.

For Anchor to contribute we will require an OT assessment from social services confirming the need for the adaptation.

You’ll also need to provide at least two quotes for the work, based on the OT recommendation and we will usually use the lowest quote to calculate our contribution.

Work should not start until you receive a notification to proceed from Anchor. Payment of our contribution would be on completion and sign off of the works. Works would be expected to be completed within 3 months.

How long do aids and adaptation requests take?

We will always try to process aids and adaptation request as swiftly as possible, though this is often reliant on external agencies which we are not able to control. Please be sure to advise the person processing your request if it is an urgent need – for example linked to a hospital discharge.

Minor adaptations are usually provided quickly, often within 15 days, and normally without a waiting period.

What happens if a request can’t be agreed?

We will always consider every request carefully. Sometimes a request may not be reasonable or practical - for example if:

It requires resources that are disproportionately large or cannot be secured.
It would not be effective or helpful.
It could negatively impact other residents.
It would conflict with legal or safety requirements.

When If we cannot agree to a request cannot be agreed, we will:

Clearly explain the reasons in a way that works for you.
Tell you how to appeal our decision.
Keep a record of how the decision was made.
Work with you to explore alternative solutions where possible. In some cases, this may include advice about moving to accommodation that better meets your needs.

More help and advice

If you’d like to talk about your situation or ask about possible aids and adaptations to your home, you can speak to your location manager or contact our Aids and Adaptions team in the Customer Experience Hub on at [email protected] or on 0300 123 7090.

You can also get independent advice from: