Making changes to your home
You have the right to make improvements, alterations and
additions to your home, but you will need to get our permission in
writing first. If the work needs building regulations or planning
permission, you will be responsible for applying to your local
council and paying the costs.
Find out more about planning permission
Before giving you permission, we will have to make sure that the
work will be carried out to a high standard and that the changes
you make won’t have an unfavourable effect on the property, such as
knocking two rooms into one, or will not affect the safety of the
property, such as removing a fire door or installing new electrical
circuits. When we give you permission, we will usually
include
conditions, for example the maximum height for putting
up fencing.
You may be able to receive compensation at the end of your
tenancy for any approved improvements you have made. It is
important to keep all receipts to be able to apply for this. If you
carry out work without getting our permission, we may need to
remove the alterations and return the property to how it was, and
you will have to pay for this.
Adaptations for people with disabilities
You may find that your home becomes difficult to manage
because you are elderly or you or someone in your home has a
disability. We may be able to help with minor adaptations but will
often suggest that you contact the local social services
department. They will arrange for an occupational therapist to
visit you and give you advice on suitable equipment and ways of
meeting the cost.
Television aerials and satellite dishes
Wherever possible, you should use an indoor aerial or one inside
the loft or roof space. If you need an outside aerial, talk to your
housing officer about how and where it can be fixed. Most blocks of
flats will have a shared aerial.
You must not put up your own satellite dish without permission
from us and the council.