ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the implications of the UK Government’s Decent Homes Standard (DHS), which sets targets for Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) to improve their housing stock. The research study assessed the approach to accessibility of stock transfer properties, undergoing improvements to bring them in line with the DHS, within six RSLs in England. From the case studies it emerged that there is a “special needs” mind set amongst RSLs with every effort being made to adapt properties for individual tenants once they have been identified as a disabled person. At a planning level on the refurbishment projects studied there were no access strategy documents that detailed accessibility issues of the properties, identifying current barriers and how they could be removed. Tenants are being given increased levels of choice, wherever possible, within refurbishment works.
