There is a legal and ethical responsibility for landlords when renting office space to tenants with disabilities. Landlords should ensure that their properties are accessible and inclusive.
Not only does this benefit the tenants, but the landlords can attract more clients, improve their reputation, and avoid discrimination issues. Here are a few tips for landlords looking to rent office space to accommodate disabilities.
1. Be aware of the law.
The main legislation that protects people with disabilities from discrimination is The Equality Act 2010. According to the act, the landlord must make reasonable adjustments to their premises to ensure that people with disabilities don’t face disadvantages within the workspace.
This may include adding lifts, ramps, handrails, parking spaces and accessible toilets. Landlords should also ensure that they are complying with The Building Regulations Act 2010. This provides the landlord with the minimum standards required when constructing and designing a property and includes guidelines for accessibility and fire safety.