“I wouldn’t change my flat for anything.” Is there Scope for more People with Learning Disabilities to Rent their own Homes?" has been accepted for publication in British Journal of Learning Disabilities

Eppie Leishman, Deborah Jayne Quilgars, David Abbott*, Becca Cooper, Stephen Hodgkins, Sam Clark, Andy Pollin, Paul Scarrott, Lois Beech

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Policy, research, and people’s lived experience in the UK consistently highlight the central importance of a home of choice for people with learning disabilities. Yet attention is mainly focused on the development of specialist as opposed to generic housing options for people with learning disabilities. This article reviews the findings from a major research study looking at the rented housing sector for people with learning disabilities. It finds that local learning disability strategies are lacking in information on rented housing for people. A national consultation identified a range of challenges in accessing rented housing for people wishing to do so. Interviews with people with learning disabilities renting their own place confirmed some of these problems but also, crucially, highlighted the success for most with renting their own place. People liked renting and were managing their tenancies well with relatively modest support. The evidence points to the possible benefits of a greater focus on renting for people with learning disabilities.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)362-370
JournalBritish Journal of Learning Disabilities
Volume52
Issue number2
Early online date25 Feb 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 May 2024

Keywords

  • Learning disabilities
  • Social housing
  • Private rented housing
  • Adult social care.

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