CouncilMaking alterations to your property (tenants)
If you are a secure tenant you have the right to carry out improvements to your council property, such as fitting a new bathroom suite or replacing kitchen units. However, you must first get the council’s written permission to do so, and you must carry out any work to the guidelines that we give you.
Permission will not be unreasonably refused, but may be subject to certain conditions. We may refuse permission if the improvements:
- cause the council expense
- make the property less safe
- make it difficult to let the property in the future, or
- give rise to complaints from other residents.
Sometimes it may be necessary to obtain planning permission for improvements. To find out whether you need planning permission or not, see our planning and building control advice page.
How to apply for permission to carry out home improvements
You need to fill in an application form and send it to us. You can either contact your local housing office, and we will send you one by post, or you can complete an on-line application form here.
Adapting your home
The council can also provide adaptations to council properties to meet the needs of disabled tenants or people with mobility problems. These include providing a rail, ramp, shower or stairlift. For more information, contact your local housing office, or the social services occupational therapy team.
If you are a council leaseholder, please see the information on making improvements to your property in the council leaseholder and homeownership pages.
Contact us & further information
For further information on the above, or any other issues you may have concerning your tenancy agreement, please contact your local housing office.
Your housing office can also send you an information leaflet called ‘Improving your home’.
Pid No: 130, 654
