In some instances, there may be local planning or conservation area restrictions that prevent you from undertaking some home improvement works.
Can I make home improvements to my rental home?
Yes, if you rent your home and want to make home improvements, you can make home improvements if you have written permission from us, and we have agreed your request before you carry out any work.
What qualifies as a home improvement?
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Decorating the exterior of your property
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Making structural alterations or additions
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Altering or adding any fixtures
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Remove any hedges, trees or shrubs
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Fixing satellite TV aerial dishes
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Constructing hardstandings
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Erecting sheds
What happens next?
Please give us as much information as possible (e.g. the nature of the works, plans and name of any contractors where appropriate).
Once we have received all the information we need; have carried out any necessary inspections and seen proof of all consents (where appropriate), we will let you know our decision and we will agree when the works can start. This will usually happen within 28 days of receipt of your application.
Frequently asked questions
How often will my kitchen or bathroom be replaced?
As part of SLH's improvement programme, the life span of a kitchen is 22 years and 32 years for a bathroom. If we identify that these need replacing we will contact to you to explain the process and arrange for an asbestos refurbishment survey to be carried out. Following this, a pre-entry appointment will be arranged to discuss the installation process and we will agree a date for works to start.
If you are having a new kitchen installed we will arrange for a kitchen designer to visit you to agree a design around your current electrical appliances. If you intend to buy new appliances it is important you advise us at this stage to ensure they will fit.
If you are having a new bathroom installed we will contact you to arrange an appointment and allow you to choose a design and style to suit you.
To find out more please call us on 03003038540.
What is SLH’s ‘Warmer Greener Homes’ Home Improvement scheme and am I eligible?
Our ‘Warmer Greener Homes’ Home Improvement initiative is designed to help our customers live better by making homes warmer, reduce household bills and minimising the impact our homes have on the environment. The scheme aims for all our homes to achieve Energy Performance Certificate EPC ‘C’ by 2026 (four years earlier than the government-imposed target of 2030) and is a key part of our Business Strategy and a fundamental milestone in our journey to ‘net zero’ by 2050.
If you have any questions or would like to find out more about our planned energy improvement programme, please contact Josie Bradshaw, Resident Liaison Partner, on j.bradshaw@southlakeshousing.co.uk
You can find your energy performance certificate for your property directly from the governments’ website, just type in your postcode and select your address.
