You must ask permission and get written approval before carrying out any adaptations or improvements to your home.
All building, wiring and plumbing work should be carried out by suitably qualified tradespeople. A GAS SAFE registered gas engineer should install gas appliances; a NICEIC registered electrician should install electrical appliances. In order to comply with
building regulations, a member of a Domestic Installer Scheme must complete certain jobs.
We will require access to the property to inspect the completed work to ensure that it has been carried out to a high standard, and complies with the appropriate regulations.
You will be responsible for maintaining and repairing any additional improvements that you have carried out, or that have been completed on your behalf, regardless of whether permission has been given.
Help with the cost of the improvements
You will have to pay for any improvements to your property yourself, but you may receive compensation when you leave the property if the work has been carried out as we have asked.
If you are adapting the property to meet the needs of a disabled or incapacitated resident, we may be able to help under our adaptations scheme.
Under our match funding scheme, we will contribute 50% of the cost of qualifying improvements, up to a maximum of £250, for eligible tenants. Improvements covered under the match funding scheme are:
- Installing an electric shower over the bath
- Fitting extra lighting or plug sockets
- Fitting additional kitchen cupboard space
- Fencing
To qualify for the scheme you must:
- have been a tenant for at least 12 months
- be up-to-date with your rent payments
- have not received any formal notice or injunction for breach of tenancy from us in the last 2 years
- put in writing the full details of the work that you intend to carry out and provide quotes
Other provisions apply, so please contact us for further details. To apply for match funding, please contact Customer Services on 01253 642000.
Refusal of permission
There are a number of reasons why we may refuse to grant you permission to improve your home. It is usually because the improvement is unsuitable or would devalue the property. Other reasons include improvements that are:
- Not in keeping with the rest of the property
- Dangerous and likely to cause structural damage
- Likely to lead to difficulties with future lettings
- Unsuitable for possible future tenants
- Likely to be carried out by New Fylde in the near future
If you have been refused permission, we will discuss the reason with you and offer you advice on suitable alternatives.
Right to compensation for home improvements
There is a right to compensation scheme for those tenants who have carried out certain types of improvements to their home. The important part of this scheme is that it only applies when you have terminated your tenancy and left your home. Whilst you are still the tenant you have no right to compensation for improvements you have carried out.
