If you are an Airbnb host, it is important to make sure that your property is wheelchair accessible. This will ensure that everyone who wants to stay in your property has the opportunity to do so.
In this blog post, we will discuss some of the ways that you can make your property more wheelchair accessible. We will also provide some tips on how to market your property to wheelchair users.
Ensuring Equality in Renting
Just like how equality is important in a workspace, it’s also important to make sure that your rental property is accessible for everyone.
According to the Equality Act 2010, landlords cannot refuse housing or discriminate against potential tenants on the basis of their protected characteristics.
As an Airbnb host, you need to make sure that your rental is fit for purpose and suitable for wheelchair users. Ensuring the same is important to ensure equality in renting.
Making Your Airbnb Property Wheelchair Accessible
In order to make sure that your Airbnb is suitable for wheelchair users, you should consider the following:
1. Install a Wheelchair Ramp or Elevator
Installing a wheelchair ramp or elevator is one of the most important things you can do to make your property more accessible for wheelchair users. It will allow them to enter and exit the building with ease.
If your property is on the bottom floor, you won’t need an elevator, but a wheelchair ramp may still be beneficial. Many local hardware stores offer ramps for sale, or you can have one custom built to fit your property.
2. Widening Doorways
To make sure that your doorways are wide enough, measure the doorway and check the width against design standards for wheelchair access. If they do not meet the standard, you may need to widen the doorways.
3. Install Grab Bars
Installing grab bars in the bathroom and other areas of your home can make it easier for wheelchair users to move around safely. You should also make sure that there is enough space between the sink, toilet, and shower to allow a wheelchair user to manoeuvre easily.
4. Post Clear Signage
Posting clear signage around your rental can help wheelchair users know where they are going. This can include signs that indicate the location of a wheelchair ramp or elevator, as well as other areas of interest.
Installing these signs can also help wheelchair users know where the closest bathroom and exits are.
5.Check Floors and Carpets
Make sure that your floors and carpets are even and free of debris. This will help prevent any potential accidents from occurring when wheelchair users move around the property.
You need to ensure that the carpets in all rooms are of the same height and not too thick. This will make it easier to move around in a wheelchair.
6. Take Care of Furniture
You should make sure that the furniture in your rental is easy to access for wheelchair users. This includes making sure that chairs, couches and other items are low enough for wheelchair users to easily access.
You may also want to consider adding a few pieces of specially designed furniture which will specifically accommodate wheelchairs (such as adjustable tables or desks).
7. Extra Blankets and Pillows
Make sure that you have extra blankets and pillows available for wheelchair users. This will make their stay more comfortable and enjoyable. You can ask your guests how many pillows and blankets they need so you can be prepared for their arrival.
Marketing Your Property to Wheelchair Users
Once your property is wheelchair accessible, it’s important to market your property effectively to wheelchair users.
1. Mention Accessibility in Your Listing
Make sure that you mention in your listing that your property is wheelchair accessible, and include photos of any ramps or grab bars that you have installed. This will ensure that potential guests can easily identify if they are able to stay at your rental.
2. Use Proper Language
Make sure that you use appropriate language when advertising your property online or on social media platforms. Avoid using words such as “handicap” and “disable”, and instead use terms such as “wheelchair accessible” or “mobility impaired”.
3. Connect with Disability Organisations
You should also consider connecting with organisations who are focused on helping those with disabilities travel. These organisations may be able to link you to potential guests or provide advice on how to make your property even more accessible.
Making sure that your Airbnb property is wheelchair accessible is an important step in reaching a larger customer base and providing a comfortable stay for all of your guests.
By following these steps, you can make sure that your rental is properly prepared to accommodate wheelchair users.
