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Housing

These grants are mandatory under the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 and are subject to a statutory test of resources (means test) required to establish whether the applicant is financially able to contribute towards the costs of the eligible scheme.

Disabled Facilities Grants are awarded to enable applicants to have access to and around their homes, or to use essential facilities within the home to enable them to live safely and independently. Mandatory Disabled Facilities Grants can only be given for the purposes set out in the Act.

Ongoing maintenance and repair of adaptations and equipment provided under the grant will become the responsibility of the applicant or landlord as relevant.

Whilst it is recognised that a Disabled Facilities Grant is a mandatory grant, it is the Council’s intention where possible to investigate all housing options that might meet the needs of the applicant in the most cost effective and suitable way before awarding a Disabled Facilities Grant. This could include moving to a more suitable and/or adapted accommodation that may be available to the applicant.

The maximum amount of Mandatory Disabled Facilities Grant is currently £30,000 set by statute. Discretionary Disabled Facilities Grant for costs above £30,000 will not be made available except upon the agreement of the council, in accordance with this policy under the Discretionary top up for Mandatory Disabled Facilities Grant, and where justified to be the most satisfactory course of action in the circumstances or to have arisen through reasonable and unforeseeable additional works or costs.

The council/appointed agent will endeavour to determine all valid applications within 2 weeks of receipt unless further information is required to enable that decision. Where additional information or other factors necessitate further investigation of options the council will determine the application at the earliest opportunity within the statutory timescale of 6 months.

Eligible Applicants

  • Any applicant registered or capable of being registered under the Chronically Sick & Disabled Persons Act 1970 and requires adaptations to be provided.
  • Any disabled person, as described by Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996, s.100. Applicants can be property owners or tenants or some landlords may apply on behalf of tenants.

Qualifying Criteria

  • A referral from the Community Occupational Therapist (COT) via Social Services or a Trusted Assessor confirming that the works are ‘necessary and appropriate’ is required. This referral will recommend works.
  • Entitlement to a Disabled Facilities Grant is mandatory but before approval the council has to be satisfied that the relevant works are both necessary and appropriate for the disabled person, and additionally that it is ‘reasonable and practicable’ to carry out the works.
  • A permanent and legal residence, or long-term in the case of fostering, including dwellings, mobile homes, caravans and houseboats. Second or holiday homes will not be considered for assistance.

Conditions

  • Works must qualify as described in s23 of the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 (as amended).
  • Works must be recommended by a Community Occupational Therapist or Trusted Assessor and be necessary and appropriate to meet the needs of the disabled applicant.
  • The works must be reasonable and practicable to carry out having regard to the age and condition of the dwelling or building.
  • Applicant will be subject to a financial assessment of resources except where
    1. the applicant (relevant person(s)) is in receipt of one or more of the following means tested benefits; -Housing Benefit, Income Support, Guaranteed Pension Credit, Income-based Employment Support Allowance (ESA), Income-based Job Seekers Allowance (JSA), Working/Child Tax Credit where income is less than set threshold, Universal Credit
    2. The application is in respect of a disabled child.
  • Proof of title is required
  • Landlord consent to the works is required where applicable.
  • Conditions relating to the recovery of equipment in specified circumstances are applied.
  • The council will use its powers to place a local land charge against the property where the Mandatory Disabled Facilities Grant exceeds £5000. The charge may be up to a maximum of £10,000 and repayment of the sum on charge is required where the adapted property is sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of within a 10 year period from completion of the work.
  • In the case of a Disabled Facilities Grant where a 10 year conditional repayment obligation exists and the recipient intends to dispose of the property by sale, assignment, transfer or otherwise within the 10 year period, the charge must be repaid, unless the council, having considered :
    1. the extent to which the recipient of the assistance would suffer financial hardship were he/she to be required to repay all or some of the grant or charge
    2. whether the disposal of the property is to enable the recipient to take up employment, or to change the location of his/her employment;
    3. whether the disposal is made for reasons connected with the physical or mentalhealth or well-being of the recipient of the assistance or of the disabled occupant of the property; and
    4. whether the disposal is made to enable the recipient of the assistance to live with, or near, any person who is disabled or infirm and in need of care, which the recipient of the assistance is intending to provide, or who is intending to provide care of which the recipient of the assistance is in need of by reason of disability or infirmity, is satisfied that it is reasonable in the circumstances to waiver or reduce the repayable sum.

Maximum Grant

£30,000

Applying

If you believe you may be entitled to this grant, then you should contact your GP and request that you are referred to Community Occupational Health who can advise the Care and Repair Agency on the type of adaption required. If you would like further advice about the Disabled Facility Grant (DFG) then contact Millbrook Health who administer this grant on behalf of Worcester City Council.

Millbrook Health 03301248205 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Worcestershire Home Adaptations Service – Coming 1 April 2026

A new Worcestershire Home Adaptations Service (HAS) will launch on 1 April 2026. It will be hosted by Wyre Forest District Council on behalf of all six district councils in Worcestershire, including Worcester.

What the service does

HAS is here to help residents who are finding it harder to move around their home. This could include using the bathroom or kitchen or managing stairs and steps. The HAS team will work with you, acting as your agent, to arrange the changes you need to stay safe and independent at home. 

How HAS can support you

The HAS team will give clear advice and guide you through the whole process of adapting your home including the use of a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) as well as talking to you about any additional services that might be available to you. They can help with:

  • Applying for a DFG
  • Getting quotes and managing contractors
  • Handling planning and building control applications
  • Communicating with your council to get grant approvals and payments
  • Checking that all work meets the right standards

What if my landlord doesn't carry out repairs?

Private Landlord

The first step is for you to write to your landlord including the following details in your letter or email:-

  • Your name and address
  • List of problems with your property
  • A reasonable date for your Landlord to respond to you by. We usually suggest at least 28 days. (It is important to keep a copy of the letter or email) 

A  document sample letter is available (32 KB)  for you to use.

 What happens if my landlord does not reply?

  • If you do not receive a satisfactory response to your letter, please contact the Private Sector Housing Team on 01905 722288 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. who will be able to advise you further. They will likely ask you for a copy of the correspondence with your landlord, your landlords contact details, photographs of the repair issue and a copy of your tenancy agreement.
  • The Officer may arrange for an inspection to occur at your property and your landlord will be notified of this.
  • Once the inspection has been carried out by one of our officers, if the officer deems the property in contains hazards we will write to the landlord on your behalf or undertake further enforcement action.

Social Housing Tenant

If you are a tenant of Housing Association, you should report any complaints to your landlord in the first instance. If the repair is not actioned please contact the Private Sector Housing Team on 01905 722288 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss. You will be asked to provide your repairs reference number given to you by your Housing Association. 

Can I withhold rent?

If a tenant does not pay their rent, the landlord can take them to court for arrears, and they may seek possession on arrears grounds. In some circumstances, if the right procedure is followed, the tenant could do the works and take the cost out of the rental payments. A tenant considering this should always get advice first from the Private Sector Housing Team.

Further Information

If you are thinking of renting in the private sector there are a number of places you can find private rented accommodation:

 

Property Choice & Standards

You should make sure the property is in the area you want to be. You do not have to accept the first property you see as there is always a large selection of properties in the private sector. Make sure it is suitable for you in regards to schools, work etc as again, if you have difficulties later on in the tenancy, you will be liable for the length of that tenancy.

If you find a property you are interested in renting you should arrange to view the property first to ensure the property is to a safe, decent standard for you and your household (please see the section on Repairs)

Gas Safety & Energy Performance Certificate

You should also ask to be provided with a valid, up to date gas certificate and an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) before you consider moving into the property. Your landlord is obligated to provide these so do not hesitate to ask for them if they are not provided to you before you move in or sign the tenancy agreement.

Affordability

You should make sure that the property you are thinking of letting is affordable for you. Remember that it is not only rent that you will have to pay each month. You will be liable for the household costs such as electricity, water and Council Tax, and you should take these into account before committing to any property. Once you have signed a tenancy agreement, you are liable for the rent for the length of the tenancy. It is advisable to complete a budgeting sheet (for a budgeting sheet ( pdf View budgeting sheet (41 KB) ).

If you are in receipt of benefits or a low income, you may be entitled to help with your rent. If you are unsure whether you may be entitled to help you may wish to consider completing a calculation with the online HB Calculator or for further information please visit the I Have Been Asked To Leave page.

Deposits

There are normally costs associated with renting a property in the private sector. Most landlords will require a deposit from the tenant (up to a maximum of 5 weeks rent). Some landlords may also require a month rent in advance.

If you pay a cash deposit to a landlord, by law, the landlord must register the deposit with the deposit protection scheme. This is to ensure that any dispute regarding the deposit at the end of the tenancy is decided fairly by an independent party.

The landlord must provide you with evidence that they have registered the deposit within 30 days of taking it from you. Should you require further information on what action to take should you not receive this from your landlord, please contact the Housing Advice Team.

Always make sure you are provided with a receipt from the landlord or agent for any money you pay to them. Find out how your deposit is protected.

Tenancy Agreement

If you are renting an entire property the landlord must issue you with an Assured Shorthold Tenancy and this must be for a minimum period of 6 months. If you sign any tenancy agreement do not accept anything less than a 6 month period, if your landlord tries to issue you with a tenancy less than this you will both still be obligated for 6 months regardless.

If after the initial 6 months your landlord does not issue you with a further tenancy agreement, you will become a periodic tenant which means the tenancy will continue on a month to month basis. You and the landlord are still entitled to the same rights as described in your original tenancy agreement.

Before you enter any tenancy agreement, you should be aware of how you or the landlord can end the tenancy lawfully. This will be stipulated in your tenancy agreement but,  if you have been asked to leave by the landlord you should be aware that, with an assured shorthold tenancy, you are entitled to 2 full calendar months notice.

Please Note: You should contact the Housing Advice Team should you need any further advice.

Useful Information

I can't afford the Private Rented Sector

Advice on finding affordable properties in the private rented sector, that will accept benefits as well as finding landlords who are willing to consider pets can be found on the Open Rent website.

When moving into a privately rented property, you may find that the landlord will require a deposit prior to you moving in. Many families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless would like to find accommodation in the private rented sector but are often unable to because of the high costs associated with starting up a tenancy. If you are a family in this position, then the Council may be able to help.

We can also help by advising you on the tenancy agreement, your benefit entitlement or any other issues you may be faced with.

In order to establish whether you are entitled to assistance with a deposit you should contact the Housing Advice Team for further advice.

Worcester City Lettings - a social lettings agency

Worcester City Lettings is a social lettings agency run by Worcester City Council. To find out more and whether you are eligible, please visit our website.

My landlord has asked me to leave, do I have to?

Landlord and tenant law can be complex, and the information contained in this page will provide you with the legal position, However, we would recommend that you contact the Housing Advice Team for advice if you are at risk of losing your accommodation.

As a tenant you are more than likely an Assured Shorthold Tenant. As such the landlord should issue you with a 2 month written notice. If the landlord has not provided you with written notice or has given less than 2 months notice, then you do not have to leave the accommodation. You may want to contact the Housing Advice Team for advice.

My Landlord wants me to leave when I'm still in my tenancy period?

The landlord can only seek possession during the fixed term (The fixed term is the period outlined in the tenancy agreement - normally 6 months) of the tenancy by serving a written notice (section 8 notice). The notice must quote the reason (the grounds for possession) why they are requesting the property back, and it has to be one of the reasons listed at the Shelter website.

Please Note: It is for the court to decide whether one or more of the grounds for possession apply, If you have been served with a Section 8 Notice you should contact the Housing Advice Team or Worcester Housing & Benefit Advice Centre (WHABAC) immediately.  

My landlord wants me to leave when my tenancy period is up?

The landlord must give you at least 2 months written notice that they require possession of the property. The landlord can issue you with a notice at any period during the fixed term period (The fixed term is the period outlined in the tenancy agreement normally 6 months) of your tenancy but it must expire after the end of the tenancy period.  If you have been served with notice and you are unlikely to find accommodation before the end of the notice you should contact the Housing Advice Team as soon as possible.

My tenancy period is up and my landlord has requested I leave?

At the end of the tenancy period you do not have to leave unless the landlord has served you with a 2 months written notice (Section 21 Notice). Your tenancy automatically carries on and you do not require another written tenancy agreement, once the fixed term period ends. It is then known as a contractual period or statutory periodic tenancy, which basically means it is a month to month rolling contract. If you have questions about a notice been served then please contact the Housing Advice Team or visit the Shelter website.

My Landlord has verbally requested I leave, do I have to?

Your landlord has to provide you with a written 2 month notice, and if the landlord has not provided you with this then you do not have to leave the property. Please contact the Housing Advice Team if you require further advice or visit the Shelter website.

Do I have to move out when the 2 month notice expires?

You should leave the property if the landlord has given you at least 2 month's notice that he or she requires possession. However, the landlord cannot evict you without a possession order from the court. The landlord can apply to the court to start possession proceedings as soon as the 2 month notice period has expired. If you have been served with notice and you are unlikely to find accommodation before the end of the notice you should contact the Housing Advice Team as soon as possible.

Please Note: You could incur court costs if you stay over the 2 month notice period and the landlord has to go to court for a possession order.

Do I have to leave when the landlord has a possession order from the court?

You should leave the property on the date specified in the court order. If you do not leave, the landlord must apply for a warrant for eviction from the court. The court will arrange for bailiffs to evict you. If you have been served with and possession order and you haven't left the property you should contact the Housing Advice Team as soon as possible.

Please Note: You could incur court costs if you stay over the 2 month notice period and the landlord has to go to court for a possession order. You could incur further cost if the landlord has to then go to court for a warrant for eviction.

Do I have to leave if the landlord's mortgage lender is seeking repossession?

Repossession by a landlord's mortgage lender occurs because the person you are renting from has not kept up with repayments on the property. You will need to act quickly if you want to delay the eviction and you should contact the Housing Advice Team as soon as possible , for further information visit the Shelter website. 

 Further Information

I am thinking of letting my property

If all or part of your property is empty you may decide to let your property but may be unsure what to do. It is essential that you are aware of your rights and obligations when becoming a landlord to avoid any problems arising at the beginning, during, or at the end of the tenancy. You will need to decide what type of property you want to let and how you want to let it. For example, you may intend to live in the premises yourself, you may own a second property or you may want to let your property whilst you are away.

 Your property will need to be of a certain standard before letting and must comply with the following:

  • You will need to ensure that the property is in good repair in accordance to the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). For more information visit the Repairs page.
  • You will need household and/or building insurance. (tenants will normally have their own contents insurance to cover their personal belongings)
  • Have a Gas Safety Certificate. For more information visit the Gas Safe Register website.
  • Supply a Energy Performance Certificate to the tenant. For more information visit the GOV.UK website.

It is your choice whether you decide to provide furniture or not and will more than likely depend on the tenant. For example, if you are letting a property as one whole unit, it is likely that your prospective tenant will have furniture of their own. If you want to rent a bed-sit, many of your prospective tenants will probably be single people who have very little, if any, furniture of their own.

The type of property you let will influence the type of tenancy that will need to be issued and the type of notice that will need to be served either by yourself or your tenant. You should ensure that when the tenancy begins you and the tenant know how either of you may lawfully end the tenancy. You must ensure that you choose an appropriate tenancy, decide on the terms of the tenancy and set out the terms of the tenancy clearly.

Please be aware that before letting your property, you may have to obtain consent from other people such as your mortgage lender, your freeholder (if you want to let a leasehold flat), your landlord (if you are a tenant yourself) or the Councils Planning Department if you are intending to let shared premises (For further information on shared accommodation then visit the Houses in Multiple Occupation page.) 

I would like to rent out my property

We run Worcester City Lettings, a social lettings agency. We provide a let-only service and managed let service.

Demand for private rental properties is high and we can assist to minimise void periods.

Families are looking for a home – your rental property could be the perfect match. Get in touch with the Worcester City Lettings team today to find out more.

Further Information

For further information on letting your property you may find the following websites & leaflets useful:

Deposits

Tenancy Deposit Scheme

If you take a cash deposit from a tenant you must deposit this into one of the government deposit protection schemes, there are four insurance-backed tenancy deposit protection schemes. The authorised administrators are: The Deposit Protection Service (which also offers a custodial service), My Deposits, The Tenancy Deposit Scheme and Capita Tenancy Deposit Protection. More information about tenancy deposit protection and the authorised scheme administrators is available on the GOV.UK website.

If you have issued an assured shorthold tenancy and you have not registered this cash deposit with one of the deposit protection schemes there are implications,please see the GOV.UK website for further advice on this or contact the Housing Advice Team for assistance:     

Government Deposit Protection Schemes

  • The Deposit Protection Service the Deposit Protection Service (The DPS) launched in 2007 and has grown to become a trusted partner to many landlords and letting agents. They are proud to offer a ‘one-stop shop' for tenancy deposit protection by providing landlords and letting agents with a choice of custodial or insurance-based protection via their Custodial Scheme or Insured Scheme.
  • My Deposits my deposits is a government-authorised tenancy deposit protection scheme. It is designed to enable landlords and letting agents in England and Wales to take and hold a deposit for the duration of the tenancy.
  • The Tenancy Deposit Scheme is a multi-award winning, government approved provider of tenancy deposit protection and alternative dispute resolution in England and Wales. They are an independent, not-for-profit company operated by The Dispute Service Ltd, the UK's longest established provider of tenancy deposit protection.

Rent Deposit Guarantee Bond via the Local Lettings Agency (RDGB) - is a Worcester City Council scheme where a tenant will be sourced and a deposit bond issued (instead of a cash deposit) this allows the landlord not to register their deposit with the above deposit protection schemes. For further information about letting your property via Worcester City Council please visit the Local Lettings Agency page.

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