Why cheap fixes are failing our homes: how landlords can unlock a sustainable future for accessible homes

Sustainability is more than just a buzzword. At its core, it’s about making decisions that endure—investing in the present to create lasting value for the future.

While much of the sustainability conversation focuses on energy efficiency and eco-friendly materials, there’s another, equally critical area where sustainable thinking is sorely needed: home adaptations.

Yet, when it comes to adapting homes for accessibility, too often we see short-term thinking. Instead of thoughtful, durable improvements, many adaptations are done as cheaply as possible, intended only to meet the immediate needs of the current tenant. It’s an approach that not only wastes resources but also misses a crucial opportunity to create homes that are accessible for the long term.

The short-term fixes that fail everyone

Take a look at most adapted homes, and what do you see? White plastic grab rails, temporary ramps, and sterile, clinical wet rooms. While these features may technically meet the functional needs of disabled tenants, they do little to improve the overall quality or appeal of the home. They’re designed for the short term, slapped in to serve the immediate needs of a single tenant with no thought as to whether they’ll be useful—or even remain in place—after the current tenant leaves.

And this isn’t just about aesthetics. When we choose the cheapest options, these adaptations are often removed as soon as the property changes hands, leading to wasted money, unnecessary work, and homes that aren’t built to last. The result is a revolving door of quick fixes that do nothing to solve the larger problem: the need for more accessible, long-term housing.

But what if there was a better way?

There is. And the game changer is right under our noses—the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG). Traditionally seen as a way to fund essential adaptations like stairlifts and accessible bathrooms for disabled individuals, the DFG also presents landlords with a huge opportunity to think bigger and act smarter.

When landlords apply for DFG funding, they aren’t just helping a single tenant. They’re making a long-term investment in their property. By using the DFG to make high-quality, sustainable improvements, landlords can ensure that their properties remain accessible for future tenants, too. Instead of settling for cheap, unattractive modifications, they can invest in sleek, integrated solutions—handrails that are part of the design, modern wet rooms that work for everyone, and accessible kitchens that enhance the home’s overall appeal.

This shift in thinking couldn’t come at a better time. Currently, half of all social rented households include someone with a long-term health condition or disability. That means the demand for accessible homes is not only significant but urgent. Adapting properties for just one tenant is a missed opportunity when there’s a clear need for homes for future tenants with disabilities who desperately need accessible housing options.

DFG: A path to meeting the new consumer standards

In addition to the clear financial and practical benefits of applying for DFG funding, landlords are now facing increased pressure to work closely with local authorities and support their tenants’ needs. The new consumer standards, set out by the housing regulator, require landlords to be proactive in collaborating with local authorities and ensuring tenants can access necessary adaptations. Applying for DFG funding isn’t just a smart move—it’s a way for landlords to meet their obligations under these new standards

By taking the lead in applying for DFG funding, landlords can streamline the process, reduce delays, and provide tenants with the support they need to live comfortably and independently. This proactive approach not only benefits the tenant but also builds a stronger relationship between landlords, tenants, and local authorities. Working together ensures that adaptations are carried out efficiently and that the homes remain accessible for the long term, in line with the new regulatory expectations.

Why should landlords care?

The answer is simple: long-term value. Accessible homes aren’t just good for current tenants—they’re good for business. Tenants with disabilities are often long-term renters. They stay because finding another accessible home isn’t easy. This reduces turnover and provides landlords with a steady, reliable income stream. And with an ageing population, the demand for accessible homes is only going to grow.

Making use of DFG funding allows landlords to do all of this with minimal financial risk. While the grant may not cover the full cost of every adaptation, it covers a substantial portion. With just a little extra investment, landlords can create homes that not only serve disabled tenants but remain appealing to a broader range of future renters. At the same time, they meet their legal obligations under the new consumer standards, ensuring tenants are supported in accessing the adaptations they need.

A sustainable future for homes: it’s time to think bigger

The time for cheap, short-term fixes is over. Landlords have a golden opportunity to transform their properties into sustainable, accessible homes that will meet the needs of today’s tenants and tomorrow’s market. By using DFG funding to its full potential, landlords can break the cycle of temporary, unattractive adaptations and instead invest in long-lasting, high-quality improvements that add value for everyone involved.

This is about more than ticking boxes or meeting minimum standards. It’s about creating homes that people want to live in, homes that are ready for the future. And it’s about landlords stepping up to build a sustainable, inclusive housing market—one where accessibility isn’t just an afterthought but a core feature of good design.

Take action: join the Fit for Our Future Campaign

If you’re a landlord ready to make a lasting difference, now is the time to act. The Fit for Our Future campaign is calling on landlords to commit to creating homes that are accessible, sustainable, and ready for the future. By joining the campaign, you’ll be part of a movement that’s transforming housing across the country—and using tools like the DFG to do it.

Sign up today at www.fitforourfuture.today and start building a legacy of sustainable, accessible homes.