Everyone should have access to safe, comfortable, and accessible housing. However, that is not always the case. There are millions of people living with disabilities, and they have to put up with numerous challenges when finding a house. Not many property owners invest in structures and facilities that can make life more comfortable for these people. 

The law requires property owners to treat people living with disabilities fairly. Finding the right property starts with you knowing your rights. Some non-profits also advocate for accessible housing, while some have developed accessible housing options for disabled renters and homeowners. 

These organizations can also support you throughout the renting process so you can benefit from more affordable housing. 

This guide has provided all you need to know to find and rent a house if you or someone close to you lives with a disability.

Know Your Rights

Living with a disability does not mean settling for a house that hinders your lifestyle. No one should have to put up with housing discrimination on the grounds of disability, race, religion, nationality, or color. A landlord, real estate agent, or lender has no right to deny housing based on developmental, mental, or physical disability. A disability is any mental or physical impairment that limits one or more major lifestyle activities. You also have the right to make reasonable modifications to your living space and common area to make it more accommodating. A landlord also has to allow for the same access to an apartment if you have a service animal, even if they have a pet policy applying to other tenants.

Leverage Nonprofits and Government Benefits

Non-profit organizations and government-supported organizations can help with your search for comfortable housing. For instance, you can reach out to the National Disability Insurance Scheme to learn more about the available NDIS housing providers near you. Some of these organizations also offer support programs to help you settle into your new living space and the new surroundings once you move in. In some cases, you may get some grants and benefits to help you access subsidized housing.

Find the Right Property

Once you know your rights and the support systems you can take advantage of, you can now begin your search for the right property. Start by identifying a neighborhood that supports accessibility. Just like large cities, small towns come with their own set of challenges, so you need to decide what works for you and focus on this. Also, make sure that you have all the necessary documentation and organize for proof of income before meeting any landlord. You can find the right property using online search engines and accessibility search engines. If possible, prioritize properties with helpful features such as spacious doorways, elevators, entrance ramps, accessible sinks with space for a wheelchair underneath, low countertops, accessible fonts with large fonts for visual impairment, suitable floors for movement, handicap parking, and more.

In summary, disability is not an excuse for you to miss out on safe, comfortable, and accessible housing. When searching for a house, you should take some time to understand your rights. Also, take advantage of the available nonprofits and government benefits. When you start searching for the right property, look for one with helpful features and have the needed documentation at hand.