Denied bungalow due to age

[Bungano]

I've namechanged for this thread.

Myself and DP both have complex medical issues and are disabled. Both problems with mobility and I use a wheelchair.

Living in a house atm, and have been trying to move since May. Due to our medical needs a bungalow would be perfect, and we both have medical evidence and letters supporting our application.

However our local authority is telling us we can only have a ground floor flat. The issue with this is car to door and potentially some steps.

We are being told we cannot bid on a bungalow as there is an age restriction - you have to be 55+. AIBU to think this is discrimination?

I ask as I used to work for a HA and they were able to age restrict any properties they wanted.

The bungalows we've looked at are generally in a cluster of around four bungalows total.

How is a HA given carte blanche to age restrict ? How can they justify it? Then there's the legal perspective from an equality perspective and disability discrimination angle.

ThumbWitches - nothing to apologise for.

LA's can have different types of supported housing, which isn't part of the standard rental stock.
Some LA's have supported retirement schemes that are usually for over 65's but will be open to over 55's in receipt of PIP. These properties can be in small groups, not necessarily a whole retirement scheme on one plot but will have warden checks etc as part of the support scheme.

Self ID as two 56 year olds.

I think it is discriminatory
Properties should be allocated based upon needs, not age and yours and your partner's circumstances require very specific help

Also there are plenty of people age 55+ that would not even want a bungalow!

How is a HA given carte blanche to age restrict ? How can they justify it? Then there's the legal perspective from an equality perspective and disability discrimination angle.

Because there is a shortage of HA/council properties. There isn't an unlimited supply to suit everyone's needs.
I assume they can age restrict as they are their properties to let as they deem appropriate?

Out of curiosity- how are you coping in the house currently? is that also HA/council owned?

I can see why you're annoyed, it's a stupid rule. Why do over 55s need bungalows more than you? Are they banned from bidding on flats?

Our bungalow has 3 steps to the front door and doesn't have a driveway. My parents have a gff with 1 step and an allocated parking space right outside the door so nothing is guaranteed.

I would still be upset though, but I'm not sure what you can do.

We're not coping in our current property. I have to crawl up the stairs to the bedroom. There are also steps inside the property leading to the bathroom. Just the stairs and steps have caused us both to fall, and we fall often. There have been incidences where I've not been able to make it to the bathroom in time. Also, the bathroom has a bath. Both of us are physically unable to get into, and out of, the bath.

Yes, our currently property is from a HA.

Is your current property LA and have they adapted it OP? Surely if a precedent is set then they can't refuse to fit measures in the new property?

It does seem ridiculous to enforce the policy if there are a number of bungalows available. Incidentally, all the council or housing association bungalows I've seen have been on small, sheltered housing developments and you were lucky if there was parking around the perimeter - you certainly couldn't drive up to the front doors.

My 42 year old friend and her 13 year old daughter are disabled and both require wheelchairs, they’ve had the same issue sadly. They were lucky in being able to find a long term private rent otherwise they’d be in difficulty as well.

Are either of you open to support services OP? If not then I'd make a self referral and contact your local MP. Your current housing situation sounds dangerous rather than difficult to be honest.

The HA can't say that they won't adapt a flat for you. If you have medical needs, you will be entitled to an assessment by an occupational therapist, who can recommend adaptations, that are funded thorough a (means tested) grant. You need to get a housing report from an OT with recommendations on the kind of property you need. This didn't mean it will be perfect when you move in, just that it can be adapted to meet your needs. I highly doubt they would be able to specifically recommend s bungalow. This is my job, and I can only state "ground floor or lift accessible property". Or, two story if you can use a stairlift. Then the HA will need to take this into consideration when banding you, and deciding what you can bid on.
Re the garden, no HA would refuse a wheelchair user a property with a garden because they may not be able to maintain it, that is ridiculous!

And regarding the discrimination, that post above the the CAB and challenging the decision looks like your best course of action. Good luck.

Can you appeal? It sounds ridiculous!
It should be based on needs rather than age.

There is possibly a section 106 agreement on the bungalows which restricts who the HA rents them to e.g. only to those over 55.

Maybe they only have bungalows in 55+ developments? Or a very long waiting list of older, even more disabled than you people needing them?

Do you have social workers? They are always useful for something like this. I would really push harder, ask them if they actually have any flat that would be suitable for your situation, and how long they think you would have to wait for that to become available. My mother is in an extra care sheltered housing unit. They have an over 55 rule (I suspect the average age is actually about 80) but have just moved in a 46 year old. When questioned they have said that they can do it as it is the only place that is suitable.

I know this is a dim question but I assume they know your disabled and not just think you under age with no other issues.it has been stated on your application right?

I know someone who works for a very large Housing association, they buy up properties on new build estates. The trouble is they are a mixture of apartment blocks, terraces, semis and detached. A percentage being affordable housing. None of the developers are putting up bungalows. So the housing association cannot improve their stock by buying them up.

I had a walk around our cul de sac earlier, looked at three bungalows, none of them have ramps, they all have a couple of steps up into the properties. I guess if you got a joiner in you could perhaps have one made to fit.

Self ID as two 56 year olds.

Is the registered blind person ex military?

It depends. Lots of people use a wheelchair but don't need it inside the property. It makes sense for bungalows to go to those who need to use wheelchairs inside property and need a carer - the latter is more realistic with bigger bathrooms and the set up of a bungalow. If you simply mean you need a wheelchair when out and about, then you will not be a priority for a bungalow.

As someone over 55 I have no desire whatsoever to live in a place designated for the "elderly". Like many my age these days I still have teenagers at home and can keep up with the best of them. The rule is ridiculous, accommodation needs to be granted on need not age.

Ah yes! Its probably on an age restricted estate. That is legal.

But it sounds like an adapted ground floor flat will be fine for both of you.