Accessibility, damp and maintenance
Guides
Plain-English guidance for care providers, housing providers and landlords.
Grab rails and handrails in care homes and supported living: what good looks like
In a care home or supported living setting, a rail is only as good as its fixing, its position and how easily residents can see it. Here is what we check on every installation. Fixing into the right substrateMost rail failures come from the wall, not the rail. Plasterboard needs the correct fixings or a pattress behind it; masonry needs fixings matched to its condition. A rail that moves under load is worse than no rail, because residents trust it. Position set by the person, not the...
Disabled Facilities Grants explained for landlords, tenants and care providers
A Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is council funding for adaptations that help a disabled person live safely and independently at home. In England a grant can be worth up to £30,000, and the council must award one when the applicant meets the conditions. Who can apply* Owner-occupiers living in the home * Tenants, including private and housing association tenants, where the tenant is responsible for the work * Landlords, on behalf of a disabled tenant, where the landlord is responsible for...
Damp, mould and Awaab's Law: what landlords and care providers should do now
Awaab's Law sets legal timescales for social landlords to investigate and fix damp and mould hazards. It has applied to social housing since 27 October 2025. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 allows it to be extended to private landlords, but no start date has been set. Who it affects today* Housing associations and councils: in force now * Private landlords and letting agents: coming, date to be confirmed after consultation * Care homes: not a tenancy matter, but damp and mould still fall under...