Adding handrails to a leasehold property
Our speciality is supplying the UK with stellar safety products. The inventory we have includes handrail systems and much more. We take quality seriously here because it has a big impact on how safe settings are. That is why we manufacture in house. We also offer installation to maintain these standards.
You might need a handrail or similar mobility aid in your property. If so, the first step should be to obtain an assessment. After that you must look at funding options. If you own the property on a freehold basis, making permanent or long term additions like handrails should be easy. But you could rent the property or own a leasehold building. In this case you must seek permission from the right people to make changes.
What we want to discuss here is what to do when you wish to add handrails to an owned leasehold property.
Ownership details
In a scenario like this, you own the mortar and bricks of your property. Yet, the land it is built on, as well as any communal spots linking to it, isn't your property.
The first step here would be to apply to the freeholder or managing agent of the structure. Supply them with details of what you need, such as the location for a handrail. It is normally helpful to sort out the finance for the modifications before asking permission. Although, you could be planning to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant. Here, you will require permission from the freeholder/managing agent to submit the application.
According to the Equality Act 2010, anyone with a qualifying disability can get reasonable adjustments. Yet, it doesn't stipulate what they are precisely. It also states that legally, a landlord isn't required to permanently change or remove any physical characteristic of their shared areas or properties. It is the same for additional communal areas within a block of flats.
Check the lease
If you are in this situation, you should check your lease. It may say that changes like these can happen at the managing agent's discretion. Here, getting an agreement could be simpler.
In certain scenarios, a lease will tell you that there needs to be an agreement between a majority or all leaseholders for changes to occur. This is more difficult, and could apply if, for example, you reside in a block of flats that has a communal garden and you would like a handrail on the outside steps.
Appearance and finance are the two largest obstacles here. Securing funding prior to your request that lowers the financial strain on other leaseholders will benefit you substantially. So is thinking about the visual impact and whether it will stay in line with the building's aesthetic.
If you initially have zero success with the managing agent, you might want to directly contact the freeholder. In the end, they are the individual who has the last say. They could be more willing to consider alterations.
Another option for struggling individuals would be to refer to the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. It had an update in 2005.
Come to us for a reliable key and clamp handrail system
At Barrier Mart, we work hard to ensure that customers receive suitable handrails. Moreover, we can offer you bollards, guards, gates, fencing, barriers, and more. All of them are high quality and there are options for lots of different needs.
So, if you need anything from us, contact our team.