Live independently in your own home!

We are committed to helping you live independently, regardless of your age, illness, or disability.

If you are a Barnet Homes tenant and are having difficulties using your bathroom, kitchen, or moving around your home, you may be eligible for alterations (adaptations). This depends on the outcome of an assessment by the Occupational Therapy (OT) team.

How to apply for adaptations

Contact Adult Social Care at Barnet Council:

Adults:

  • Social Care Direct
  • Email: socialcaredirect@barnet.gov.uk
  • Phone: 020 8359 5000

Children:

  • Disabled Children’s Occupational Therapy Team
  • Email: mash@barnet.gov.uk
  • Phone: 020 8359 4066

 The Assessment Process:

An Assessment and Enablement Officer will carry out a triage assessment by phone to determine if an adaptation is necessary and appropriate. Factors considered include and not limited to:

  • Medical condition of the applicant/household
  • Under-occupancy
  • overcrowding

For Adults, once triage has taken place, the case is referred to Barnet Homes, who will assign their own Specialist Occupational Therapist (OT).  For children under 18, the OT assessment is fully completed by Social Services at LBB before being referred to Barnet Homes.

Referral to Barnet Homes

After triage, the case is referred to Barnet Homes, who will assign their own OT. For children under 18, the OT assessment is fully completed by Social Services before being referred to Barnet Homes.

Types of adaptations

Minor adaptations

Provided the tenant meets national eligibility criteria, Barnet Homes will coordinate with Social Services after OT approval to provide recommended equipment.

Examples include:

  • Grab rails (inside/outside)
  • Door entry systems
  • Lever taps
  • Stair rails
  • Alterations to steps

Major adaptations

If equipment or minor adaptations are insufficient, the OT may recommend major works, considering both short- and long-term needs, including those of carers.

Examples include:

  • Level access showers
  • Large permanent ramps
  • Door widening
  • Stair lifts
  • Kitchen refurbishment (low-level units, appliances excluded)
  • Through-floor lifts
  • Ceiling tracked hoists
  • Swing doors
  • Accessible toilets
  • Accessible kitchen facilities 

Eligibility criteria

  • The person must meet national eligibility criteria (Care and Support Eligibility Regulations 2014).
  • The adaptation must be for the tenant’s main home.
  • Individuals aged 18+ not named on the tenancy must be registered for council tax and listed on the Electoral Roll.
  • For children of separated parents, work will only be done at the principal residence (typically where child benefit is claimed).
  • Tenants registered for a transfer or mutual exchange may not be eligible if moving into a less suitable property.
  • Tenants in arrears will be considered on a case-by-case basis based on their circumstances and repayment history.

Adaptations will not be provided if

  • The property is under-occupied.
  • There is statutory overcrowding.
  • A Right to Buy application is in place.
  • It is a short-life leased property.
  • It is Temporary Accommodation or a hostel.
  • The lease is not owned by Barnet Council.
  • The home is occupied by a leaseholder or their tenants.
  • The layout/location makes it unsuitable.
  • The works would negatively affect future let ability.
  • The property is outside the London Borough of Barnet.
  • Possession proceedings have started or are in place.

Making an application

For Adults:

  • Social Care Direct
  • Email: socialcaredirect@barnet.gov.uk
  • Phone: 020 8359 5000
  • Address: London Borough of Barnet, 2 Bristol Avenue, Colindale, London NW9 4EW

For Children (Under 18):

  • Disabled Children’s Occupational Therapy Team
  • Email: mash@barnet.gov.uk
  • Phone: 020 8359 4066 

For equipment:

Visit Barnet Council’s website for simple aids like toileting/bathing aids and walking frames/sticks.

Get the right equipment and gadgets for you | Barnet Council

Opendoor Homes tenants, leaseholders or private owners: 

Please visit Barnet Council’s website to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG).  This is Means-tested and may require owner consent.

Apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant | Barnet Council

What happens next?

When you contact Adult Social Care, an Assessment and Enablement Officer will carry out a triage assessment by phone to determine if an adaptation is necessary and appropriate. Factors considered include and not limited to:

  • Medical condition of the applicant/household
  • Under-occupancy
  • overcrowding

For Adults, once triage has taken place, the case is referred to Barnet Homes, who will assign their own Specialist Occupational Therapist (OT).

For children under 18, the OT assessment is fully completed by Social Services at LBB before being referred to Barnet Homes.

What is the assessment process?

  • The OT will conduct a full functional assessment in your home to assess your needs
  • Based on the assessment the OT will make recommendations for specialist equipment and or home adaptations.
  • Recommendations are sent to Barnet Homes.

What adaptations are available?

Minor adaptations may include:

  • Grab rails and handrails
  • Stair rails
  • Lever taps
  • Door entry systems
  • Rubber threshold ramps

Major adaptations may include:

  • Stairlifts and through-floor lifts
  • Ramps and step lifts
  • Level access showers and
  • Accessible toilets
  • Ceiling track hoists
  • Accessible kitchens

What is the approval process?

  • Assess the feasibility of works in your home
  • Some complex cases may be reviewed by the Housing Adaptations Monitoring Panel.
  • Plan the adaptations in line with the OT’s recommendations
  • Manage the installation using experienced and approved Specialist contractors

How long will it take?

  • Minor adaptations are typically installed within 3 weeks.

Timescales for adaptations

Adaptation Type Urgent Non-Urgent
Equipment / Minor Adaptation 3 weeks 6 weeks
Major Adaptation 21 weeks 24 weeks
  • Major adaptations can take longer depending on design, materials, or contractor availability.
  • Delays can happen due to supply chain issues or specialist equipment lead times, but we will keep you updated

What if my home cannot be adapted?

In some cases, a home may not be suitable due to layout or structural limitations. If so, we will explore other housing options with you, such as transfers to more accessible properties.

What if my medical condition changes?

If your health condition changes and your adaptations no longer meet your needs, please contact Social Care Direct or the Children’s OT Team for a reassessment.

Who pays for the work?

  • Barnet Homes tenants: Adaptations are funded and maintained by Barnet Homes.
  • Opendoor Homes tenant’s, Private tenants, housing association tenants, and homeowners – May be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG), which is means-tested and administered by Barnet Council.

What if I want to move?

If your home has been adapted, you may not be able to bid for a new property straight away. You will need to speak with Housing Options for more information.  However, If you move, your new home may require different adaptations following a new assessment. Adaptations must not be altered or removed—they remain the property of Barnet Homes.

Contact Housing Options:

For more information, you can contact:
Barnet Homes Adaptations Team
Phone: 02083595269
Email: bhadaptation.team@barnet.gov.uk
Address: 2 Bristol Avenue, Colindale, NW9 4EW