When we heard about the AccessiblePRS team’s initiative to drive the availability and signposting of properties suitable for disabled renters we got involved.
WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE ACCESSIBLE LETTINGS SCHEME
The Accessible Lettings Scheme is an initiative founded by Guy Harris of AccessiblePRS, supporting agents with improving online rental property information.
In the UK there are 1.8m people living with accessible housing needs, which includes an estimated 1.2m wheelchair users, people living with disabilities and older people who have lost some of their mobility.
Unfortunately, many of these people experience difficulties in finding a suitable rental home, according to recent research, 91% of wheelchair users surveyed experienced barriers accessing the private rented sector.
WHAT WE ARE DOING
We are improving information provided about our rental properties and encouraging our landlords to approve adaptations to their properties when requested.
Our website and marketing material now includes key accessibility information for each property thus helping renters view properties to match their requirements. Whilst it is not yet possible to cover all accessibility information for every listing, we are making our properties searchable by three accessibility factors:
- Step-free access - includes entry into the building, the property and throughout the property
- Lateral living space - properties that have a kitchen, living room, bathroom and at least one bedroom on the entry level
- Wet-rooms
We are also ensuring that floorplans, video tours and photos capturing key accessibility features are available on all relevant properties and will be adding ‘access information’ and standardised, searchable key phrases to each listing, noting possible barriers.
And because specific requirements depend upon an individual’s needs and circumstances, we have ensured the most common considerations are covered:
- Step-free access
- Width of doorways
- Wheelchair accessible bathrooms and/or wet rooms
Charlotte Howard, Head of Lettings Customer Services, says: "Through our partnership with AccessiblePRS our teams are ready to support both tenants with accessible housing needs, as well as landlords with advice on how to make their property more accessible for disabled renters."
Guy Harris, Founder of AccessiblePRS, "Savills have shown absolute commitment to updating their insight and processes to provide clear information for property searchers with accessible housing needs. The individuals and teams I've worked with have really understood the brief and always looked for ways to take it further and bridge to other areas of their business. I couldn't ask for more."
You can view step free properties here and properties that offer lateral living here.
For more information on Accessible Lettings please download our brochure here.
Private landlords can also find more information on the National Residential Landlords Association website here.