Getting permission
If you wish to carry out improvements to your home, you will need landlord permission.
You need to contact your Area Housing Office before beginning any work in order to arrange for permission and must not start work until given landlord permission.
Depending on the work, you may also need planning permission and/or building regulations approval - and you would be responsible for applying for and obtaining these. Again work must not commence until all necessary permissions have been obtained.
Council Tenants will need to complete the request form below for approval for alterations / installations and return to the above address.
Doing the work
You can carry out the work yourself, or engage someone to do the work, but whoever does it must be competent. In addition work to gas fittings must be carried out by a CORGI (Council of Registered Gas Installers) person. Electrical work must be carried out by NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting) installers.
At the end of your tenancy
If, as part of your works, any of the Council's fixtures are removed, you may have to reinstall them should you leave your tenancy. You would also need to remove any external structures eg sheds or greenhouses which you have erected, if your tenancy ends.
In some circumstances, tenants can be compensated for some improvements when they leave their tenancy. Your local Area Housing Office can give you details. The amount of compensation would be based on the costs of the works/fittings and their lifespan. Compensation would only be payable at the end of the tenancy - and would not be paid in any of the following circumstances.
- You were made to leave your tenancy as a result of breaches of the tenancy agreement, or
- You did not have permission for the works, or
- The compensation would be less than £50.
For further information on improving your home, contact your Local Area Housing Office.
