ACT Tenants: Disability Access and Adjustments

As a tenant living in the Australian Capital Territory, ensuring that your rental home is accessible and suitable for your needs is essential, especially if you or someone in your household has a disability. Understanding your rights around disability access and reasonable adjustments can enable a smoother renting experience.

Understanding Your Rights

Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, landlords are required to provide reasonable adjustments to accommodate tenants with disabilities. This includes modifications like ramps or handrails.

Reasonable Adjustments Explained

Reasonable adjustments involve making practical changes to a property to assist those with disabilities. These adjustments should not pose an undue hardship for the landlord.

How to Request Adjustments

To request an adjustment, a tenant should submit a formal request outlining the required modifications and how these changes will aid accessibility. It's vital to provide medical documentation to support your request.

FAQs on Disability Access in ACT Rentals

1. What constitutes a reasonable adjustment?

   A reasonable adjustment can include physical modifications like installing handrails or sensory changes such as visual alarm systems. It depends on individual needs and the feasibility for the landlord.

2. Can my landlord refuse a request for modifications?

   A landlord may refuse if the changes cause 'unjustifiable hardship,' meaning they're overly challenging or costly compared to the benefit gained.

3. Who pays for disability modifications?

   Typically, the tenant may bear the costs initially, unless otherwise agreed. Assistance may be available through various disability support programs.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

If you need help with disability access issues or any other rental problems, contacting the following organizations can be helpful:

• ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) — Handles tenancy disputes.
• Tenants' Union ACT — Offers advice and advocacy for renters.
• ACT Government Justice and Community Safety — Provides information on the Residential Tenancies Act 1997.

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1. ¹ Disability Discrimination Act 1992 — Federal law protecting against disability-based discrimination.
2. ² Residential Tenancies Act 1997 — The ACT law outlining tenant and landlord rights.

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