Don't Give Up on Finding a Wheelchair-Accessible Property! Tips and Key Points for Choosing Barrier-Free Rentals

Searching for a property while using a wheelchair. Are there people who feel lost because they can't find their ideal home? In fact, when it comes to property searches for wheelchair users, there is a "unique way to search" that you can't reach with a typical online search.

In this article, we will explain in detail three to four specific search methods and checkpoints for a successful property search. If you're struggling with property selection, please refer to this article.

1.Why is it hard to find "wheelchair-accessible properties"? The current state of property searches for wheelchair users

Moreover, it's not just that "such buildings don't exist," but there are cases where the psychological barriers of the owners affect the situation. It's essential to understand these current conditions accurately.

1-1. Limitations of search filters

On typical real estate portal sites, there is no mention of details like "hallway width" or "space in the bathroom and toilet." However, for wheelchair users, this information is a crucial indicator of whether they can live there.

Furthermore, even if the interior of the room is barrier-free, detailed barrier-free information, such as the route from the entrance to the room or the height of elevator buttons, is often not listed, making it undeniable that there are limitations to the current search filters.

1-2. Psychological barriers of owners

The most serious issue in property searches for wheelchair users is the "psychological barrier" of owners or management companies. Owners with no experience accommodating people with disabilities may worry about "wheelchairs damaging floors or walls" or "noise issues," leading to frequent refusals of tenancy. In such cases, showing a willingness to prevent damage and dirt by bringing tire covers, newspapers, or cloths to wipe tires during viewings is important. Additionally, communicating specific measures such as "protecting the floor with tile carpets or cushion flooring after moving in" can potentially lower the owner's psychological barrier.

2. How to find barrier-free properties

Here, we introduce three ways to broaden your property search perspective.

2-1. Check public housing in your prefecture 

If you're looking for properties with barrier-free facilities at a lower cost, public housing provided by prefectures or municipalities is a strong option. While many of the buildings are old, there are quite a few properties where the interiors have been renovated to be barrier-free.

Compared to private rental properties, monthly rent is cheaper, and there is also a large number of barrier-free properties. The conditions for application vary by region, so those interested should inquire with their local housing supply corporation.

2-2. Check the route to the station with "Nifty Real Estate"

A real estate site supported by many wheelchair users is "Nifty Real Estate."

Nifty Real Estate offers specific conditions like "flat to the station," allowing you to narrow down properties that consider ease of going out.

Not only can you search for room details, but you can also search with a focus on barrier-free living areas, which is an attractive feature not found elsewhere.

参照：バリアフリーの賃貸物件を探す｜ニフティ不動産

2-3. Find heart barrier-free properties with "KURUMAISU" 

The notion that "you can't live unless the hardware (facilities) is perfect" is dispelled by the rental housing search site for people with disabilities, "KURUMAISU."

Even if the facilities are not 100% barrier-free, properties with owners who understand disabilities are introduced as "heart barrier-free properties." They have introduced a unique tool to visualize the height of steps at entrances and indoors, allowing you to objectively judge whether the steps are acceptable for you or your caregiver before visiting.

参照：KURUMAISU

3. [Preservation Version] Points to consider when searching for barrier-free housing

To avoid the "this isn't what I expected" feeling after moving in, we will comprehensively explain the checkpoints you should know before moving in.

3-1. Checkpoints for outdoor and common areas

Even if the inside of the room is barrier-free, unexpected barriers may appear once you step outside. For example, there might be steps at the entrance, or the width and height of elevator buttons might not be suitable.

Additionally, even if the property seems suitable for moving in, there might be no elevator at the nearest station or it could be an unmanned station. You must thoroughly research the surrounding environment, assuming you will actually live there.

 3-2.Checkpoints for indoor and movement paths

Even in a flat-structured interior, there are overlooked barriers. For instance, whether the doors are sliding or swinging can significantly affect ease of living, and you should also pay attention to the height of light switches, outlets, and hanger racks.

Additionally, to prevent noise issues with neighbors, it's important to check the thinness of walls and how easily sound carries.

3-3. Checkpoints for water areas

Pay attention to the space in the toilet and bathroom. It's sufficient if there's space to turn your wheelchair, but if not, you must ensure there is space and environment to transfer to a shower chair or toilet seat. Also, if you plan to use a drum-type washing machine that's easy to use while in a wheelchair, ensure there's space for it.