Making alterations to your home

You may make improvements, alterations and additions to your home but you must get our written permission beforehand. In some circumstances we may need to visit you to discuss the proposals in more detail before we make a decision about giving approval. If you do not obtain permission, you could be charged to repair or restore your home to its original condition.

We will only refuse permission if we have a good reason. But we will only give consent on condition that:

• The work is done to a certain standard
• The proposed work does not reduce the value of your home
• The alteration will not have a detrimental effect on your neighbours

Please remember that you will be required to obtain all other necessary approvals (for example planning permission or building regulation approval from your local council) and you will be responsible for applying for these and paying for any associated costs or fees.

Your rent will not increase as a result of any improvements you make but you will be responsible for the maintenance and repairs of the improvement.

You do not require our permission to:

• Redecorate the inside of your home
• Put up shelving
• Fit curtain tracks and blinds

We would ask that you;

• Do not hang wallpaper in new properties during the first 12 months. This is so that any drying out cracks which may occur remain visible and can be repaired at the end of the defects period
• Do not apply artex or polystyrene tiles to walls and ceilings or paint over wall tiles, sockets and switches

We're always happy to give help and advice over the telephone e.g. whether you're unsure if something is a repair or an improvement. Please ring us on 0300 123 1567.