Stairlifts in Rented or Council Homes

Having a stairlift in a rented or council home is often possible — but there's an important extra step compared with owning your home: permission.

Quick answer: You can usually have a stairlift in a rented or council home, but you'll normally need the landlord's or housing association's permission first. Council and housing-association tenants may also be able to get help with funding through social services or the Disabled Facilities Grant.

Private rented homes

A stairlift is a change to the landlord's property, so you'll normally need their written permission before it's fitted. The good news is that because the rail fixes to the stair treads rather than the walls, it's straightforward to remove later with only minor marks — which reassures many landlords.

Council and housing-association homes

If you rent from the council or a housing association, contact them first about permission. You may also be able to get help with the cost: adult social services can arrange an assessment, and funding such as the Disabled Facilities Grant may be available. Our guide to help from social services and the council explains the process.

What to check before going ahead

• Get the landlord's or housing provider's permission in writing.
• Ask whether they expect the lift to be removed when you leave, and who pays.
• Explore whether you qualify for funding to help with the cost.

To find out what a stairlift would cost for your home, fill in the form below for a free, no-obligation quote from Acorn Stairlifts.