by Alicia Rennoll
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that there are 61 million adults in the US live with some kind of disability. This inspired the government to provide benefits to help these people live a life of comfort. One of which is the Section 811 program. It provides persons with disabilities with subsidized rental properties. The government also prohibits landlords from turning down possible tenants based on disabilities. But aside from following the law, landlords can also have their properties landscaped. This will make the rental property greener.
Researchers from Stanford University and the University of Washington discovered that bringing nature into cities can promote better mental health. One of the steps to do this is to make a greener home through a landscaped garden. This can also benefit the well-being of their tenants with disabilities. Here are some ways to landscape the rental property for persons with disability.
Aim For Curb Appeal
Landlords who are aiming to target tenants with disabilities must strive hard to maximize the curb appeal of their rental property. They must assess all the nooks and crannies of the spot where the landscaped garden will be built. As much as possible, the landlords must provide an accessible entryway. This will let the tenant access the garden with ease. They also need to provide more space for movements. This will benefit those who are using wheelchairs and other mobility aids. It is also needed to make sure that the pathways are not elevated.
Install Outdoor Shade
Having a shade installed in the landscaped garden will benefit tenants with disabilities. Aside from providing comfort, it will also help those who are having difficulty in their vision. This will allow them to have a spot away from the direct heat of the sun. Landlords can either install a canopy or garden awnings for the shade. They also have the option to plant tall bushes or trees to cast shadows over the windows.
Modify The Garden For Accessibility
Landlords should also make several modifications in their landscaped gardens. This is for the safety of the tenants with disabilities. This includes raising the garden beds. It will benefit those with physical restrictions since they no longer have to stoop or bend to reach the plants. They must also provide accessible tables for people with a wheelchair for easier planting. Also, landlords can put containers with wheels that they can move around to accessible areas.
Install An Automated Sprinkler System
Adding a sprinkler system in the landscaped garden can be expensive but definitely worth it. An automatic sprinkler system will provide long-term benefits for both the landlords and tenants in the long term. With the help of a sprinkler system, every inch of the garden will receive the right amount of water, without the hassle of upkeep for owners. This means the tenants who are living with disabilities will have one less thing to worry about when maintaining the garden all year round.
Landlords who provide a landscaped area in their rental property are also helping their tenants with disabilities have better mental health. They are letting the tenants have some physical activities through gardening. It also provides them with a sustainable form of relaxation. This means good news for their rental business. Because of this effort, more people would want to check out the property and sign a long-term lease.
