If you are a secure tenant you have the right to carry out
improvements to your home. However you will need the council's
written permission before you start any work.
The council encourages tenants to improve their homes and will
not unreasonably refuse permission. However some conditions might
be imposed and all work must be carried out to a standard
acceptable to the council.
These improvements include fitting new:-
- electric points
- room heaters
- kitchen cupboards
- loft insulation
- plumbing for a new washing machine or dish washer
- erecting new fencing
You should write to Housing Services giving details of what you
propose, including a drawing if relevant. A council officer
may visit you to discuss the work. You will be told within one
month whether or not permission is granted and of any conditions
that apply. If it is refused you will be given the reason in
writing.
Before you start the work it will be your responsibility to
obtain any necessary permission or building regulation
approval.
You must not remove any of the council's fixtures and fittings
without our prior permission.
Your improvements will not affect the valuation of the property
if you exercise your Right to Buy.
If you have carried out improvements yourself and then move to
another property you must either leave any improvements you have
provided or return the property to its original condition. Failure
to do this could result in you being re-charged for any
reinstatement work.
It is your responsibility to maintain any improvement you have
done yourself. The council will not accept responsibility for
additional costs in carrying out its repairing obligations if they
are due to your own alterations or improvements.
Your right to compensation for improvements
As a secure tenant you may apply for compensation for specified
improvements that you have made to your home, provided they were
started after April 1994. (Re-decorating is not included). At the
time you contact us for permission to carry out any improvement
work, please ask us about any compensation entitlement, which may
apply to the work you are proposing to carry out.