Making home improvements

– You will be responsible for paying all the costs of any improvements you wish to make.
– All work must be undertaken entirely at your expense.
– Any damage made to the property shall be made good.
– You will be responsible for all future maintenance and/or replacement of these works.

We will not unreasonably withhold permission.  We will check if there is a breach of tenancy or lease, for example any outstanding monies owed such as rent or repair recharges.  If there is a breach this must be put right before we a request for permission is considered, for example that the monies owed are paid in full.

You may be able to apply for compensation for improvements you’ve made to your home, if you later move out of the property. These steps must be followed:

– Before you start the work, we must receive 2 quotations in writing (in most instances, the lowest is the one used for calculation of compensation).  
– You’ll need our permission in writing to go ahead with the work.
– You need claim for compensation 28 days before your tenancy ends or up to 14 days afterwards.
– The minimum compensation payment is £100 and maximum is £3,000.
– Compensation will not be paid if you purchase your home e.g. under the Right to Buy or if a Possession Order for the property has been made by a Court due to breach of tenancy.
– Compensation will only be paid for certain types of improvements and depending on how long ago the work was done

See our Compensation for Improvements web page for more information and complete the online form.

After you’ve had permission for your improvements and they’re completed, you’ll need to let us know by completing the online form

As part of your online application please provide the following information:
– make and model of the air conditioning unit
– the position externally and internally (the unit must not restrict access to areas of maintenance, services etc)
– who will be installing the units and are they a qualified HVAC engineer?
– what decibel noise levels

Please provide plans and photos of the proposed location for the air conditioning units so we can fully assess the request.

The boarding of lofts is not permitted at our properties, and permission requests will be refused.

Firstly, please consider the impact and speak to your neighbours about your plans to have a driveway.
Then approach your local council to confirm you are able to have a dropped kerb.

Once you have a copy of the approval then complete the online form with the additional information:
– who will be completing the work
– provide drawings with dimensions to identify exactly where is the driveway is planned in relation to your house. If possible, please attach some photographs
– confirmation of surface type and area
– supply copy of the approval for the dropped kerb from your council, or a photo of the dropped kerb if already in place

Please note we currently will not permit EV chargers at locations with on-street parking.

As part of your online application please:
– state planned location of EV charger
– provide photo of planned location of EV charger
– provide photo of driveway in relation to your house

Firstly, please consider the impact and speak to your neighbours about your plans to install the fence/gate. The fencing must not block any of your neighbours’ light.
Your new fencing/gates cannot obstruct your neighbours or their visitors using the right of way. If there is a shared access or right of way via your garden, you must seek our advice before work commences.

As part of your online application please state:
– the location of the fence e.g. back, front or side of your property
– height of fence / gate
– please provide photos of the location
– confirm that you have spoken with your neighbour, and they are happy for you to carry out this work

You do not need to ask for permission to fit carpet.
You will need our written permission before fitting wood, wood-effect, laminate, ceramic tiled or lino / vinyl coverings. We will not give permission for these items in flats, to minimise noise problems.

When making your online application please state:
– which room(s) you wish to install the new flooring in
– flooring type

Garden ponds are not permitted at our properties, and permission requests will be refused.

As part of your online application please include:
– a basic outline drawing of your plans, not necessarily to scale
– photos of the current layout
– who will be doing the work

Open fires and wood burning stoves are not permitted at our properties, and permission requests will be refused.

The painting of kitchen cupboards and tiles is not permitted at our properties and permission requests will be refused.

When making your online application please state:
– confirmation of the size of the planned patio – length and width
– where is the patio is planned in relation to your house. If possible, please attach some photographs
– who will be completing the work

As part of your online application please state:
– location of dish e.g. side or back
– size of dish
– if your property is part of conservation area, that you have checked with your local council if you require planning permission

As part of your online application please provide the following information:
– where will it be located
– size – height / width / depth
– what base the shed will be sited on

Please note the outbuilding:
– must be situated to the rear or side of the property
– cannot be more than 2.5 metres in height
– must be made substantially of non-combustible material or be placed at least one metre away from a boundary line
– must be completely detached from your home and not obstruct any necessary maintenance or repairs to your home or adversely affect your neighbours
– not be fixed to the existing fence, or located in such a way that building it will cause damage to the fence
– cannot be installed in a listed or conservation area

For larger outbuildings it is advisable to check the section for outbuildings and sheds at https://www.planningportal.co.uk/  for further information on what will need to be considered regarding planning applications, building control, permitted development etc.

If you require a skip to assist with a clear out please contact for permission. On the application form please state:
– reason for skip
– planned location of skip
– length of time skip needed

All our communal blocks of flats including those being developed have a communal digital aerial and a communal satellite dish, so whilst we do not allow our customers to install their own dish on the building, you do not need permission from us to have the Sky Q service.

For our customers who live in a house or bungalow, you need permission from us to install the receiver (dish) and other equipment to enable you to obtain the Sky Q facility. Maintaining the receivers/box will be your responsibility.

There are several things you will need to consider with this work:
– Firstly, you will need to contact your local council to confirm if you need Building Control approval and provide written confirmation from the council of their reply.
– If you are increasing/decreasing the number of bedrooms in the property it may impact your council tax charge.
– You will need to ensure all trades persons/contractors are properly licensed (electrical, plumbing certified, etc.) and fully insured.
– You will be responsible for any repairs or maintenance to the changed areas.

If you wish to proceed, please contact your local council first, then complete your online application including the following:
– the building control letter
– a floor plan of windows/walls/electrical points, etc for the room

 Complete the request form below providing:
·       details of the work you intend to carry out
·       location
·       size – height/depth/width if appropriate
·       include photographs and drawings if possible.