Tenants have the right to request our permission to carry out improvement or alteration works to their homes and gardens. They must obtain our permission prior to work starting, in line with their tenancy agreement.
We can refuse permission for improvements or alterations if we assess that the requested works are not in the long-term best interests of the property and/or our tenants or leaseholders.
We will not permit alterations or improvements in the following circumstances:
- the requested work would create a health and safety risk
- the requested work requires structural alterations to a property – for example installing new openings or removing walls
- the requested work would impact on the value of the home – because of the quality of works or materials that would be used
- the tenant has an introductory tenancy - tenants will need to wait until they have completed the introductory period (see the Tenancy policy for more information)
- the tenant has rent arrears of over three months; or they are not conforming to a Court Order for arrears; or they have any other outstanding debt owed to us that is not part of an agreed payment plan
- the tenant is living in temporary accommodation (for example, if they are temporarily living in another property because works are being carried out to their permanent home)
- the tenant is under-occupying the property
If we do not give permission for the improvement or alteration, we will write to the tenant to let them know and explain the reasons why.
If we do give permission, we will confirm this in writing, including any conditions of the permission given. In addition to obtaining permission from us as their landlord, depending on the nature of the work, tenants may also need to apply to the council for planning permission and or approval from Building Regulations. The council housing department will not do this, and it remains the responsibility of the tenant to ensure all necessary permissions are obtained before the work begins.
Where we do give consent, the tenant will need to ensure all improvements or alterations are completed in accordance with what we agreed within six months of obtaining our written approval.