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Do you need permission?

Before carrying out any improvements or alterations to your property, you must ask your local council for permission (which, if granted, will be given in writing). Permission will not be unreasonably refused - a council will only refuse permission if the proposed work would cause them expense, make it difficult to let the property in the future or give rise to complaints from other residents.

However permission may be subject to certain conditions which you will have to abide by.

Apply for permission to alter your council home

The following links will let you enter details of where you live and then take you to your local authority website where you can find out more.

• Apply for permission to alter your council home Opens new window
• Find out about improving a council property Opens new window

What if you do the work without getting permission?

If you carry out improvements without your council's permission they can make you change the property back to its original condition, or carry out further work to meet their standards. If you fail to carry out such work, the council may decide to carry it out themselves and charge you for the cost of doing so.

Before starting work

Prior to undertaking any work you are responsible for getting any planning and building regulations approval that is required. You are also responsible for any costs that are involved with this. Remember all work must always be done by a competent and qualified person; for example, gas fitting must be carried out by a CORGI registered person. You will usually have to repair and maintain anything that you have had fitted yourself and this will also have to be done by a competent person. Your council will also have the right to inspect any work that you have done.

What kind of improvements can you make?

Some examples of improvements you may be able to do with permission include:

To apply for permission to carry out your own alterations, please contact your local council.

• Choosing traders and service providers

Right to compensation for improvements

If you have carried out improvements since 1 April 1994 with the council's permission, you may be able to get compensation at the end of your tenancy.

The improvements you have carried out will not increase your rent, or the purchase price of your home, if you decide to buy it. To access further information on this subject contact your local council.