We understand that sometimes you want to make some changes to your home.

Maybe you want some extra kitchen cupboards, a new front door or a shed in the garden.

Here's what you need to know about making improvements in your home...

Some home improvements don't need our permission and you can go ahead with the changes (detailed in Appendix 1 below).

There are also some improvements that you don't need our permission for but they must meet specific conditions (listed in Appendix 2 below). 

To view a list of improvements that you need our permission for, read Appendix 3 below. 

Improvements we will not grant permission for can be found in Appendix 4 below. 

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. 

Key information

  • Home Improvement Policy

    Read our Home Improvement Policy to find out everything you need to know about making improvements to your home. 

    The policy covers:

    • requesting an improvement (including when permission is and isn't needed)
    • types of improvements
    • when a request may be denied
    • what happens when you move out after making home improvements
    • repair responsibilities
    • rechargeable repairs
    • information on mutual exchanges.
  • Appendix 1 - Improvements you don't need permission for

    Appendix 1 - improvements that do not need our permission.

    Improvements detailed in Appendix 1 do not require you to complete a home improvement request form.

  • Appendix 2 - Improvements you don't need permission for but have specific conditions

    Appendix 2 - improvements that do not need our permission but have specific conditions.

    Improvements detailed in Appendix 2 do not require you to complete a home improvement request form.

  • Appendix 3 - Improvements you need permission for

    Appendix 3 - improvements that always need our permission.

    For some of these improvements, we will inspect the works and require relevant certificates once completed.

    Improvements detailed in appendix 3 require you to complete a home improvements request form. If you are not able to complete the form, or need some help, please get in touch. 

  • Appendix 4 - Improvements we will not grant permission for

    Appendix 4 - improvements we will not grant permission for. 

  • Appendix 5 - General workmanship conditions and guidelines

    Appendix 5 - general workmanship conditions and guidelines. 

  • Shared owners and leaseholders

    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.

How to apply for permission

Please complete the form below for improvements that require our permission. We will write to tell you whether your improvements have been granted or not. Please allow us 10 working days to process your request and get back to you.

Home improvement enquiry

Home improvements
Give as much detail as possible. Please note that only home improvements listed in Appendix 3 require permission, and improvements listed in Appendix 4 will not be granted permission. You can find the appendices at westkent.org/homeimprovements
Please supply any plans, sketches or photos to support your request.
Let us know you're human.
Home improvements