Making alterations to your home

Hackney Homes has an on-going plan for major repairs and improvements to properties in the borough. As part of the Decent Homes programme, these improvements are being carried out in thousands of homes. Improvements can include major building as well as environmental improvements such as lighting, security, CCTV and enlarging refuse chutes.

We will consult with you, well ahead of time, about any work we expect to do in your home such as, new windows, roofs or heating systems. You can also ask us for details of what we may be planning for your area. You can find out more about Decent Homes on the website.

You can carry out improvements to your home. You should discuss your plans with us first and then write to your Neighbourhood Housing Office giving full details of what you plan to do. We will write back to you with an answer within one month.

Each application is considered separately and normally given permission, subject to any conditions that may be appropriate for that type of work. You must not start work before getting permission. If we don’t give permission we will tell you our reasons.

If you want guidance on what you can do without permission, please contact your local Neighbourhood Housing Office.

You can download the Decorating your home information leaflet for some handy hints and advice about decorating the inside of your home. Although home decorating can take some time, it can also be extremely rewarding and help you to create the kind of atmosphere that you want to live in.

At the end of your tenancy, you may get compensation for certain improvements you have done. We can give you a list of what kinds of improvements these are.Compensation can only be paid when you leave your home. The amount paid will be based on the original cost of the improvement and how long it has been in use. No compensation will be paid if:

In some cases you will need to get planning permission and building regulations approval from the Hackney Council.

You should check with the Council's Planning Department whether this is needed.  See Planning applications (opens in a new window)

It is your responsibility to apply for these.