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Buying and renting property

Under the DDA it is unlawful for landlords and other persons connected with the selling, letting and managing of premises to treat disabled people less favourably for a reason related to their disability, unless they can show that the treatment is justified.

In April 2005, a new Disability Discrimination Act was passed which amends or extends existing provisions in the DDA 1995. This includes, for example, making it easier for disabled people to rent property and for tenants to make disability-related adaptations.

Building regulations

The Building Regulations made under powers provided in the Building Act 1984 exist to ensure the health and safety of people in and around all types of buildings, that is, domestic, commercial and industrial. They also provide for energy conservation, and Part M of these regulations deal with access and facilities for disabled people. Their current aim is that, in the main, all buildings to which the requirements in Part M of these regulations apply, are accessible to and useable by disabled people.

An improved version of Part M came into force in May 2004 which will extend the provisions to alterations on existing buildings and introduces the concept of access and use for all - not only for those with recognised disabilities. There is more information on building regulations in the Building Regulations Explanatory Booklet on the website of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

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Help and advice from the Equality and Human Rights Commission

The Equality and Human Rights Commission is a good source of advice if you feel you may have been discriminated against. The commission's helpline provides advice and information about the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 to disabled people, employers, service providers, schools and colleges, and friends and families of disabled people.

Telephone: 08457 622 633

Textphone: 08457 622 644

Fax: 08457 778 878

Lines are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am-5pm; Wednesday 8am-8pm.

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