Making Improvements to your Council Home

If you want to improve your home or make any alterations (including installing a satellite dish), you must have our written permission beforehand (contact your local housing office).

If we give our permission, there may be conditions attached. These will be to make sure that the work is carried out by a competent contractor and completed to a reasonable standard.

It is usual to give a time in which to complete the work.  You must tell us when the work has been completed so that we can carry out a trial inspection.

If we refuse permission, we will write to you to explain why. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may appeal in writing for us to consider it again.

Making an improvement will not increase your rent. In fact, if this work was done after 1 April 1994, you may be entitled to compensation when you end your tenancy.

Secure tenants in England have the right to carry out alterations or improvements to their homes providing they have first obtained written permission of the Landlord.

Alterations / improvements can be classified as “any alteration or addition to the property,” including:

• Additions or alterations to the landlords fixtures and fittings
• Additions, alterations or connections to the utilities services i.e. gas, electricity or water
• External decorations
• The addition of a television aerial or satellite dish

To apply for permission you need to submit a request in writing to your Local Repair Team or District Office. Your application must give clear and concise details of the work you wish to carry out including measurements where appropriate. 

Your request for permission will be considered on its merits and we will only refuse permission if the work causes us expense, makes it difficult to let the property in the future or complaints are likely to arise as a result.

It is important to remember that you will be responsible for the future repair and maintenance of your alteration/improvement and if you terminate your tenancy, you must ensure that the new installations are left in full working order or the original items refitted.   

If your request is rejected you will receive a letter outlining the reason(s) why permission has not been given.  
 
Once you receive a letter confirming that your request has been successful, you must then ensure that a suitably qualified person carries out the work and that the work complies with the Building Regulations and Planning Requirements.  

You MUST NOT start any work without first obtaining the written consent of the landlord.

Any alterations that are carried out without first obtaining permission may be removed and you would then have to pay the cost of the corrective works.