Home modifications for tenants living with medical or disability needs

We comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 to make reasonable adjustments to our properties. We do this to support our tenants with medical or disability needs, to live safely and independently at home.

For modifications funded by your National Disability Insurance Scheme package, My Aged Care, an alternative provider or yourself, visit the Alterations to a home policy.

For information about home alterations, such as adding an air conditioner, visit making alterations to a home.

Apply for home modifications

If you or a member of your household needs modifications, you or an approved representative can apply. For properties leased from private owners, we will need to get approval from the property owner.

Not all properties can be modified. There are different reasons why home modifications may not occur. This could be due to the age of the property.

Types of home modifications

There are two types of modifications, standard and major.

Standard modifications improve accessibility, like lever tap handles or repositioned towel rails. Most don’t need extra documentation, but some may need a letter from a health professional. See the Table of Standard Modifications for more information.

Major modifications are structural changes, such as bathroom updates or ramp installations. Major modifications need a detailed occupational therapist report, Occupational Therapist Summary Report and application.

Who can request a modification

The following people are authorised to request modifications:

• Tenants in properties managed by Homes NSW, including tenants in a Headlease property.
• Applicants for public housing, after accepting of an offer of social housing.
• People authorised to act on behalf of an applicant or the tenant.

Authorising someone to act on your behalf

You can nominate someone to apply for modifications on your behalf. To do this, fill out and submit one of the following forms:

• Authority to Act on Client's Behalf (DCJ4001): For allowing someone to act on your behalf.
• Consent to Exchange Information (DH0145): For sharing information with support providers like NDIS.

Occupational therapist assistance

For all major modifications, an occupational therapist will need to assess your needs and provide a full detailed report and an Occupational Therapist Summary Report. These reports outline the information on dimensions and measurements that are needed to meet your needs.

Application review and decision

Standard modifications: Once you submit a request, we will assess and install approved modifications. This will usually take 5 working days.

Major modifications: We will reach out within 3 days of receiving your application. After that you’ll get a written decision, and if approved, a timeline for completion.

If we decline a major modification, you’ll receive a written explanation. Following this, we will discuss alternative options with you.

Installation timelines

Standard modifications are typically installed within 5 working days.

Major modifications may take up to 90 days, depending on the complexity. We will keep you updated, especially if there are delays.

We will keep you and your nominated contact informed at each stage.

Temporary relocation during major modifications

If modifications require temporary relocation, we will arrange this as needed and inform you of the timeline.

Completion and inspection

When major modifications are complete, we will inspect the work with you and your occupational therapist to ensure it meets your needs as outlined in the occupational therapist reports.

Modifications beyond reasonable adjustment

Some modifications fall outside our scope for reasonable adjustments. These can include requests that:

• require major structural changes or additions to the property; or
• don’t suit the site conditions such as slope of the land or configuration; or
• are in properties marked for sale or redevelopment program; or
• require construction of a new, purpose-built home; or
• cater for, or are a result of, specialist disability equipment; or
• involve specialist disability equipment that doesn’t directly relate to a disability or medical need of the tenant or household member.

Options for home modifications beyond reasonable adjustment

If your request for home modifications exceeds what’s considered a reasonable adjustment, we will offer alternative options to help you secure suitable support for your disability or medical needs. We will consider each case individually to help you find a suitable solution that meets your disability or medical needs. For more information, visit alternative options for home modifications beyond reasonable adjustment.

Disagreeing with completed modifications or a decision to decline modifications

If you disagree with the decision we’ve made, talk to your client service officer. If you’re still not satisfied, you can ask to have the decision reviewed. 

For more information visit appeals and reviewing decisions.