Improvements to your home
Your questions answered
Can I carry out improvements myself?
You can put up your own fittings as long as you do not damage or remove anything or alter our properties. If you want to carry out any alterations or improvements you must first get our permission in writing. This will include any changes you want to make to the inside of your home (for example putting in a shower or fitting extra electrical sockets), decorating the outside of the building, or putting up any structures outside (for example a satellite dish or a metal gate). See Improvements you can make. If you remove fixtures or fittings or carry out alterations without permission we may ask you to put back or restore them to the original condition when you leave. See Moving out.
Can I be compensated for improvements I have made?
You may get compensation for certain types of improvement. It will only be paid at the end of your tenancy. We can provide you with a list of improvements that qualify for compensation. See Compensation for improvements.
What help is there if I become disabled?
We may be able to carry out certain adaptations to help you in your home, eg handrails or bathroom adaptations. See Support services.
Our improvement programme
We have an on-going plan for major repairs and improvements to our properties. This is part of the Government's Decent Homes Programme. See Decent homes standard.
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.
Improvements you can make
You may carry out improvements to your home. You should discuss your plans with us first and then write to your Neighbourhood Office giving full details of what you plan to do. We will write back to you with an answer within one month.
You must not start work before getting permission. If we don't give permission we will tell you our reasons. Also see Planning permission below.
If you want guidance on what you can do without permission, you can ask for a leaflet at your Neighbourhood Office.
Compensation for improvements
At the end of your tenancy, you may get compensation for certain improvements you have done. See Tenants’ rights. 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:
- you did not get our written permission to do the work
- we have had to evict you because you broke the tenancy conditions
- the compensation to be paid is less than £50
- the improvement was done before 1st April 1994.
Planning permission. You should check with the Council's Planning Department whether you also need to get official planning permission and building regulations approval. You are responsible for applying for these.
