Making Alterations To Your Home

As a leaseholder, you have the right to improve your home but for some improvements you will need written permission from us.

This is because as landlord, we have an investment in the block and a responsibility to the other residents.

We will not refuse permission unless we have a good reason.

You may also need to get planning permission and building consent before starting work.

We do not need to know about minor work such as decorating, but we do need to know about any alterations that affect walls, windows, doorframes, plumbing and electrical services.

What alterations you need permission for

  • Any addition or change to the structure or services to your home
  • Aerials or satellite dishes
  • Outside decoration (the type of paint may need approving so that its compatible with future paints that we may use).

How do I get permission?

If you want to go ahead with alterations/improvements, you must ask permission in writing from your Management Officer.  You will need to ensure you advise them of the exact work you wish to do and a drawing or plan.  A Building Surveyor may need to visit your home to see what you intend to do, before we can make a decision.

If we refuse permission, we will give you our reasons in writing and it will be for good reason(s).

The permission we give you to go ahead is not the same as planning permission.  You are responsible for getting any necessary planning permission or building regulation approval.  We will normally make it a condition that you do this when we give you permission for the work.

If you go ahead with work after we have refused permission, you will be breaking the terms of your lease.

If you do something without permission, we have the right to put things back as they were and charge you for it.  We will not charge you for permission before you carry out the work, but you will be charged if retrospective permission is required.

Can I install my own windows and doors?

If you wish to do this you must get permission in writing from your Management Officer.

If you do install your own windows and door, your painting charge will reduce.  Please note the outside window frames belong to the landlord. 

Painting to your block of flats takes place every 5 years.