Tenants alterations and improvements

Can I make alterations or improvements to my home?

As a secure tenant you may make alterations and improvements to your home. However, you must obtain the Councils written consent before you carry out any work. The Council cannot refuse permission without good reason, but may impose reasonable conditions.

When should I contact the Council?

You must contact us if you intend to carry out any of the following to your home:

• Decorate the exterior of the property.
• Make any structural alterations or additions.
• Alter or add any fixtures, for example, bathroom / kitchen fittings.
• Remove any hedges, trees or shrubs.
• Fix satellite TV aerial dishes.
• Construct hardstandings, or other parking areas.
• Carrying out any electrical alterations

What types of work are likely to be approved?

We are likely to grant permission to works which will be completed competently and make a genuine improvement to the property. Good examples are installation of central heating and window replacement.

What types of work are NOT likely to be approved?

We are unlikely to approve works which are not completed to a satisfactory standard, or works which the Council consider to be detrimental to the property, for example removing certain walls within the property.

What should I do if I want to make an alteration or improvement?

You should put a request for permission in writing and send it to the Technical Officer at the Civic Centre, Arnot Hill Park, Arnold, Nottingham NG5 6LU.  Please give us as many details as possible, that is, the nature of the works, plans, and contractors name (where appropriate), please also provide your telephone number and advise when it is convenient to visit. Alternatively you can email us at housingservices@gedling.gov.uk.

Who can undertake the work ?

All work must be carried out by a competent and qualified trades person, whose details need to be included in the request application, including for example details of their CORGI and NEIC registration.

What happens next?

We will then decide if you need to obtain building or planning consent. If you do we will contact you to advise you of this and let you know how to apply for any consent. Please note that we cannot grant permission unless you have obtained the necessary consents.

If you do not need building or planning consent we may decide to make an inspection of your home prior to any work being started, this is to establish the nature and extent of the works

When we have received all the information we need, have carried out any necessary inspections, and have seen proof of all consents (where appropriate), we will notify you of the Councils approval, or refusal, of the works being able to start in writing.

Do I need to tell you when the work is completed?

Yes, you MUST  contact   the Technical Officer at the Civic Centre, Arnot Hill Park, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 6LU. Tel 0115 901 3680 / 3686

Can I claim compensation for improvements I have carried out?

As a Council tenant you have a right to claim compensation for certain improvements. However, you can only make a claim when your tenancy is coming to an end

Remember:

Any alteration carried out will be at the cost of the tenant. This includes future repairs and maintenance. Also if you leave the property the Council may charge you for the cost of changing the alteration back.