National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) Universal Design Principles for NRAS round 5, when applied, means that proposals What are universal design principles? incorporating universal design features will be assessed more favourably than proposals without these features. Universal design of homes incorporates features that make the home accessible to a broad range of potential tenants, The NRAS assessment criteria are sufficiently detailed so regardless of age or physical ability. as to provide guidance to potential applicants as to the Australian and expectations. The features of a universal design home allow tenants to Government’s preferences age in their place of residence and reduce the likelihood of Specifically, criterion 2(c) seeks to ensure proposals the tenant having to move to more accessible address the needs of tenants with special needs. accommodation. Criterion 2(e) seeks to ensure proposals are suitably accessible and sustainable, with a direct mention of Universal design includes features like accessibility for the design entry of the home, including; ‘universal principles’. In responding to the relevant questions within the NRAS a covered entry to the home with stepless application form, applicants are encouraged to detail the pathways to the entries universal design features they will incorporate. wider corridors and doorways that allow access by wheelchairs, walking frames or other mobility aids More information Reinforced walls around the toilet, shower and For more information about the NRAS, visit or call the bath to support the safe installation of grabrails NRAS hotline on when required and stepless access to showers 1800 334 505. easy to use lever style door handles and taps light switches that can be reached by people in If you are seeking more information about universal wheelchairs design, you may wish to consult industry bodies such as: A continuous handrail on one side of any stairway where there is a rise of more than 1 metre. Livable Housing Australia: or the Australian Network for Universal Housing What are the advantages of universal design in NRAS Design: . homes? Your NRAS supported homes will be even more attractive to tenants who are older Australians or people with disabilities. Tenants will be less likely to have to relocate due to accessibility issues, reducing tenant turnover and vacancy rates. The Australian Government encourages NRAS applicants to include universal design features in homes that are being submitted for approval. Assessment criteria set out in the National Rental Affordability Scheme Regulations 2008, which will be used
National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) Universal Design Principles What are universal design principles? Universal design of homes incorporates features that make the home accessible to a broad range of potential tenants, regardless of age or physical ability. The features of a universal design home allow tenants to age in their place of residence and reduce the likelihood of the tenant having to move to more accessible accommodation. Universal design includes features like accessibility for the entry of the home, including; a covered entry to the home with stepless pathways to the entries wider corridors and doorways that allow access by wheelchairs, walking frames or other mobility aids Reinforced walls around the toilet, shower and bath to support the safe installation of grabrails when required and stepless access to showers easy to use lever style door handles and taps light switches that can be reached by people in wheelchairs A continuous handrail on one side of any stairway where there is a rise of more than 1 metre. What are the advantages of universal design in NRAS homes? Your NRAS supported homes will be even more attractive to tenants who are older Australians or people with disabilities. Tenants will be less likely to have to relocate due to accessibility issues, reducing tenant turnover and vacancy rates. The Australian Government encourages NRAS applicants to include universal design features in homes that are being submitted for approval. Assessment criteria set out in the National Rental Affordability Scheme Regulations 2008, which will be used for NRAS round 5, when applied, means that proposals incorporating universal design features will be assessed more favourably than proposals without these features. The NRAS assessment criteria are sufficiently detailed so as to provide guidance to potential applicants as to the Australian Government’s preferences and expectations. Specifically, criterion 2(c) seeks to ensure proposals address the needs of tenants with special needs. Criterion 2(e) seeks to ensure proposals are suitably accessible and sustainable, with a direct mention of ‘universal design principles’. In responding to the relevant questions within the NRAS application form, applicants are encouraged to detail the universal design features they will incorporate. More information For more information about the NRAS, visit or call the NRAS hotline on 1800 334 505. If you are seeking more information about universal design, you may wish to consult industry bodies such as: Livable Housing Australia: or the Australian Network for Universal Housing Design: .
factsheet_universal_design_revised_8_may13.docx