Tenants alterations and improvements
Can I make alterations or improvements to my home?
As a secure tenant you may make alterations and improvements
to your home. However, you must obtain South Lakes Housing written
consent before you carry out any work. The South Lakes
Housing cannot refuse permission without good reason, but may
impose reasonable conditions.
When should I contact South Lakes Housing?
You must contact us if you intend to carry out any of the
following to your home:
- Decorate the exterior of the property.
- Make any structural alterations or additions.
- Alter or add any fixtures.
- Remove any hedges, trees or shrubs.
- Fix satellite TV aerial dishes.
- Construct hardstandings.
- Erect sheds
What types of work are likely to be approved?
We are likely to grant permission to works which will be
completed competently and make a genuine improvement to the
property. Good examples are installation of central heating and
window replacement.
What types of work are NOT likely to be approved?
We are unlikely to approve works which are not completed to a
satisfactory standard, or works which South Lakes Housing consider
to be detrimental to the property or by an unqualified
contractor. For example, removing certain walls within the
property.
What should I do if I want to make an alteration or
improvement?
You should put a request for permission in writing and send to
the Maintenance Surveyor at Little Aynam House, Kendal.
Please give us as many details as possible, that is, the nature of
the works, plans, and contractors name (where appropriate).
What happens next?
We will write to you to tell you we have received your
application.
We will then decide if you need to obtain building or planning
consent. If you do we will contact you to advise you of this and
let you know how to apply for any consent. Please note that we
cannot grant permission unless you have obtained the necessary
consents.
If you do not need building or planning consent we may decide
to make an inspection of your home prior to any work being started,
this is to establish the nature and extent of the works. We will
let you know if we need to do this.
When we have received all the information we need, have
carried out any necessary inspections, and have seen proof of all
consents (where appropriate), we will notify you of our approval,
or refusal, of the works being able to start. This will usually
happen within 15 days of receipt of your
application.
Do I need to tell you when the work is completed?
Yes, you will have been sent a notice when permission was
granted. You should sign this notice when the work is complete and
return it to the Maintenance Surveyor at South Lakes Housing.
If you have made structural alterations, an officer will visit
you to make a final inspection.
Can I claim compensation for improvements I have carried
out?
As a Council tenant you have a right to claim compensation for
certain improvements. However, you can only make a claim when your
tenancy is coming to an end.
Contact Details
To apply for permission to carry out alterations
or improvements please write to the Maintenance Surveyor at:
South Lakes Housing
Little Aynam House
Little Aynam
Kendal
Cumbria
LA9 7AH