When it comes to finding a rental home, the search can be overwhelming. Even for those who are familiar with the process, finding a rental house that is wheelchair accessible can be stressful. There’s a lot of information to process, and so many variables can make or break your search. Luckily, finding a rental home that is wheelchair accessible doesn’t have to be so difficult. Here are three tips you can use to find a rental house that is wheelchair accessible in no time.
1. Know the Different Types of Wheelchair Accessibility
There are a few different types of wheelchair accessibility you can look for when searching for a rental home. These include physical wheelchair accessibility and a rental house considered “wheelchair-friendly.”
Physical wheelchair accessibility refers to whether the rental home itself is wheelchair convenient. A rental home that is wheelchair accessible also means that it meets the minimum accessibility requirements for the house itself. This means having grab bars and other features that make it more friendly for wheelchair users.
2. Check for Wheelchair Accessible Housing Features
When searching for a rental home, you should also look for features that make the home wheelchair favorable. This might include wheelchair ramps, accessible bathrooms and kitchens, and even available parking spots that are large enough to accommodate vehicles with lifts.
Build-outs are also essential to look out for. A build-out refers to how much space a rental home has, both inside and out and can be covered by full coverage residential painting. These vary depending on the type of rental home, but in general, a rental house with a wheelchair-accessible bedroom should fit a mobility-impaired person’s bed. In addition, the bathroom should comfortably accommodate a mobility-impaired person’s needs.
3. Stay Connected with the Rental Community
One of the best ways to find a rental home that is wheelchair accessible is to connect with the rental community. The neighborhood can be an excellent resource for finding a rental house that is wheelchair accessible, as well as for other questions you might have.
There are many online resources and discussion boards dedicated to the rental community so that you can connect with other renters looking for a wheelchair-accessible rental house. Whether you want to connect and ask other renters to help you find a wheelchair-accessible rental home or learn more about wheelchair-friendly rental homes, online resources are a great place to start. It’s important to remember that the rental home search process goes much more smoothly when you have the internet at your disposal.
There are also local groups and organizations that you can connect with. Many cities and towns have local chapters of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment or the National Organization of Person with Disabilities. These nonprofits focus on housing and accessibility issues, which can be a great resource for finding a wheelchair-convenient rental home.
Overall, finding a rental home that is wheelchair accessible is a lot easier than you might have thought. Consider following these steps, and you’ll be on your way to finding a rental home that is wheelchair accessible in no time.