Our residents can make improvements and alterations to their home at their own expense in line with relevant legal and regulatory requirements, their tenancy agreement and this policy.
Our Home Improvement Policy sets out a standardised approach to dealing with home improvement requests both inside and outside of your home. Visit our home improvements page to find out more and submit an improvement request.
Here's what you need to know
What you do and don't need permission for
- Some home improvements don't need our permission and you can go ahead with the changes (detailed in Appendix 1).
- There are also some improvements that you don't need our permission for but they must meet specific conditions (listed in Appendix 2).
- To view a list of improvements that you need our permission for, read Appendix 3.
- Improvements we will not grant permission for can be found in Appendix 4.
How we'll repair home improvements
We will only carry out repairs or maintenance for any home improvements in line with the responsibilities set out in our maintaining your home policy and where we have carried out an inspection and/or received the relevant certificate.
What improvements can shared owners and leaseholders make?
- Shared owners and leaseholders can make improvements in line with appendix 1 and appendix 2.
- For any other improvements, they will need to submit a request.
- Where permission is needed for more involved works, we may need to issue a License for Alterations and charge a fee.
Timescales for completion
- You must complete the work within six months of the date of the permission being granted.
- You will need to tell us once the work has been completed.
- If it is not completed within six months, you will need to reapply for permission.
Exclusions
We will consider each home improvement request on a case-by-case basis, but may not grant permission for a home improvement request if:
- Your rent account is in arrears. You may need to clear these arrears before we consider your request.
- There are any other outstanding arrears (like former tenancy arrears, court costs or rechargeable repair accounts). You may need to clear these arrears before we consider your request.
- There is an outstanding case under investigation for a breach of the tenancy conditions.
- The improvement or alteration is considered to make the home unsafe.
- The home is newly built and still within defects liability period or under warranty.
- The works will cause enduring disturbance to neighbours, such as laminate flooring in an above ground floor flat.
Extra care, supported housing and Kent Excellent Homes For All (KEHFA) schemes
- You may need to follow a different process if you living in extra care, supported housing or one of our Kent Excellent Homes for All (KEHFA) schemes.
- You should discuss your request with your scheme manager or supported housing officer who will manage your request in line with your tenancy agreement.