Changes to your home (Adaptations)

If an occupational therapist thinks you would benefit from major changes to your home, we can support you through the process. Adaptations help make your home safer and more suitable. This could include:

• a concrete ramp or half-step for easier access
• a stairlift or through-floor lift
• a wet room or level-access shower
• widened doors for wheelchairs
• a wash-and-dry toilet.

Who can get help?

We support people who:

• own their home
• rent privately
• live in housing association accommodation (with landlord approval)

Making a referral

Our Occupational Therapy service will need to carry out an assessment of your home. 

They will consider:

• your needs
• whether you rent or own your home
• whether the layout and structure of your home is suitable.

They will make a recommendation on the best options to support your living needs and make a referral to the Brent Private Housing Service (PHS), who will help arrange the work.

If you're renting, PHS will work with your landlord to get permission for any changes. In some cases, housing associations can carry out small adaptations themselves.

Paying for adaptations

A variety of grants are available to Brent residents to help you or your loved ones.

These can be used to adapt a property, or to get help and support to repair a home or make it safer to live in.

Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)

You may be able to get a Disabled Facilities Grant if you are disabled or have a long-term health problem and need to make big changes to your home. The DFG can pay for things like making doors wider, adding a stairlift, or installing a bathroom or bedroom downstairs.

The DFG is means-tested. This means how much money you get depends on how much money you and your family make and or have in savings.

Discretionary Disabled Facilities Grant

Brent Council also has a Discretionary DFG. If the changes cost more than £30,000 and you need more help, this grant might pay the extra amount. How much money you get depends on your income.

To apply for the DFG, you will need an assessment from the council's Occupational Therapy service. They will check what changes you need.

Many of the grants offered for housing adaptations in Brent are not means tested so you may not need to pay. Find out more about grants for homeowners, social and private renters. You can also contact Private Housing Services to find out what they may be able to offer you.

Repairs to adaptations

If your adaptation develops a fault:

• Council tenant: contact Brent Housing Repairs Team on: 0208 9372400
• Homeowners or private tenants: contact Brent Private Housing Services on 020 8937 6410
• Housing Association tenants: contact your housing association's repairs team.