Get permission to make changes to your council home
What you need to know before making any changes or improvements to your council home
If you want to change, improve, or add to your council home, you must ask us for permission first. This applies to work inside and outside your property. You must wait for our written approval before you start any work. You are responsible for all costs, and anyone else named on your tenancy must also agree.
When you need permission
You need permission for most alterations, including:
- Fitting a new kitchen or bathroom
- Installing central heating or fixed heaters
- Replacing windows with double glazing
- Putting up an aerial, satellite dish, or cctv
- Building a garage, greenhouse, fence, wall, or shed
- Laying decorative flooring such as laminate
- Decorating the outside of your home
If you are not sure whether your plans need approval, contact your housing officer first. They will tell you what to do next.
External work plans
For outdoor structures like garages, sheds, decking, greenhouses, or driveways, you must include a simple sketch or drawing with your application. This should show where the structure will go, its size, and the materials you plan to use. You can upload this when you apply.
Safety and legal checks
Some changes need a building warrant or completion certificate. If this applies to your work, we will ask you to provide these. You must also make sure the work is carried out safely and meets legal standards. Tell us how you will do this in your application.
What happens after you apply
Sending an application does not guarantee approval, but we only refuse if there is a clear reason. We will write to you with our decision within 28 days.
You cannot carry out any alterations in a new build council home during the first 12 months after handover.
Ready to apply or need help?
Before you apply, make sure you have read the guidance for council tenants. If you want to install an electric vehicle charger, check our Electric Vehicle Charging point installations at council properties webpage.
If you need advice, contact your housing officer at your local housing office.