Permission

Most tenants have the right to make improvements or alterations to their home. However, if you want to do so, you must get our permission first. You can apply for permission by writing to us at:

Housing,
Customer Modification Request
Swindon Borough Council,
Civic Offices
Swindon,
SN1 2JH

PDF Version - Request to undertake Home Improvements

Online Version - Request to undertake Home Improvements

You will need to give us full details of the work that you want to do and who is going to do it. You should also enclose copies of any drawings or plans, planning permissions, and any other relevant documents.

Depending on the scale of your improvements, we may want to inspect your property before granting permission.  

We normally give permission for most home improvements - but we often attach conditions. These are to make sure that a competent contractor carries out the work and that it is completed to an acceptable standard.  Also, we normally set a time limit for completing the improvement work. You must tell us when it is done so that we can come and inspect the work.

We can only refuse permission if we have a good reason. If we do refuse, we will write to you and tell why. If you disagree with our decision (or we attach conditions that you do not agree with) you can appeal by writing to the Director of Housing at the above address.    

If you intend to carry out improvement work to your home, please note the following:

• Keep receipts for all the work that is carried out. You will need these if you want to claim compensation for improvements when your tenancy ends.
• You may need planning permission for some improvements. You are responsible for getting this and also meeting all the current building regulations. The permission we give you to go ahead with a home improvement does not replace the need for you to get planning permission.
• You will be responsible for repairing and maintaining any home improvement that you make.
• You will be responsible for putting right any damage caused to the property while the improvement work is being carried out.
• If you carry out any home improvements without our permission, you will have to return the property to its original condition – and pay for that work.  If you do not remove the unauthorised improvement, we will do it and charge you the full cost.

l) Refunding Improvement Costs

The government introduced a Right to Compensation for Improvements for council tenants from 1 April 1994. Under this scheme, you may be able to get compensation for certain improvements you have made to your home. You can apply for compensation when your tenancy ends – this is usually when you move home. You have up to 14 days after your tenancy ends to make a claim.

You will not get compensation if you are buying your home through the Right to Buy scheme, because improvements are not included in the purchase price.

The Right to Compensation applies to the following improvements:

• Bath or shower, wash-hand basin and toilet
• Kitchen sink and work surfaces for preparing food
• Storage cupboards in bathroom or kitchen
• Central heating, hot water boilers and other types of heating
• Thermostatic radiator valves
• Pipe, water or cylinder insulation
• Loft and cavity wall insulation
• Draught-proofing of external doors and windows
• Double-glazing or other window replacement or secondary glazing
• Rewiring, or the provision of power and lighting or other electrical fittings (including smoke detectors)
• Security measures (excluding burglar alarms)

You can only claim for

• The cost of materials (not including appliances such as cookers and fridges)
• Labour costs (not including your own)

You can get compensation of up to £3,000 for any one improvement, but you will not get anything if the cost is under £50.  The actual amount of compensation will depend on

• The condition of the improvement when you claim (older improvements will be worth less)
• Whether you got a grant at the time to help with the cost of the improvement (if yes, this will be deducted)
• If you owe us any money when your tenancy ends (this will be deducted)

To find out more, contact your neighbourhood housing officer or download the following leaflet:

A Better Deal for Tenants: Your Right to Compensation for Improvements