Responsibility for repairs

Most council tenants have what is known as a 'secure tenancy'. This means as a tenant you have the right to carry out improvements to your home, provided that you first get permission from the Head of the Department.

Each application is considered separately and permission is usually given, subject to any conditions that may be appropriate. If permission is not given we will write to you, giving you the reasons. If you are not satisfied with the decision you have the right to appeal. Appeals should be sent to the Head of the Department in the first instance, and then to the County Court if you are still not satisfied.

You also have the right to appeal if you think that the conditions under which permission is given are unreasonable. You must not start any improvement work until written permission has been given by the Head of the Department. Check the regulations. Once you have received permission, the next stage is to make sure the improvement work you want to carry out complies with Building Regulations and Planning Requirements.

It is best not to start any work until you have received written approval from the council department(s) concerned. Contact Building Control and Planning on 01455 238141 to find out about the Building and Planning Regulations that might affect you.

Please note:

1. You will be responsible for the maintenance and repair of any addition or alteration to your home, and for making good any damage
2. Any permanent alteration or addition becomes the property of the council and cannot be removed when you leave the property
3. Any alteration you carry out without the permission of the Head of the Department may be removed by the council to restore the property to its original design. You would then have to pay for the cost of this extra work

All tenants have the right to carry out repairs under regulations issued under the Housing Act 1985 (as amended) which are normally the council's responsibility and for which payment may be made by the council. However, there are defined rules about how this can be done. Further information can be obtained from the Housing Department.

Compensation for improvements made by the tenant

Tenants are now entitled to compensation for certain types of improvement work when their tenancy is terminated. Any repayment is calculated on a set formula, which takes annual depreciation from the original costs into account. In order to qualify for this scheme, the works must have been carried out within certain defined time periods, and written permission must have been obtained at the time of the work.

For further information, write to the Head of the Department and ask for details on the 'Compensation for Tenant's Improvements Scheme'.

Internal decorating

Tenants are responsible for the internal decorating of their homes.

Last updated: 09/04/2024 09:56