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Improving your housing association property

All secure tenants of registered housing associations have the right to improve their accommodation with the association’s written consent. There will also be times when the association needs to make improvements to a home or to adapt a home to suit the needs of a person or the people who live there.

What happens if you want to improve your home - do you need to get permission?

All housing association secure tenants have the right to improve their home, but they will need to obtain permission from the association for the particular improvement they want to make.

You will need written permission from your housing association before you have any major works carried out to your home, such as replacing or altering windows, doors or kitchen fittings, any work involving plumbing or mains electrics, redecorating the outside of your home or fitting an aerial or satellite dish.

Your tenancy agreement may provide you with information and examples of what improvements and alterations need to be approved by your association before you can carry them out.

It is worth remembering that you may be able to claim compensation from your association for certain major improvements that you have paid for. This compensation can only be claimed when your tenancy ends.

What kind of improvements can you make?

Some examples of improvements you may be able to do with permission include:

  • internal layout changes
  • building extensions
  • erecting garages, sheds, or greenhouses
  • installing a gas fire
  • installing central heating
  • fitting a new bathroom
  • fitting new kitchen units
  • putting in a new fireplace
  • installing extra electrical sockets

To apply for permission to carry out your own alterations, please contact your housing association.

What if you need your home adapted to make it suitable for you or for someone who lives with you?

Contact your local Health and Social Services Trust who will be pleased to answer your questions and initiate the process. Alternatively, your GP or social worker will refer you to the relevant trust. The housing association's involvement in the process will commence when it receives a recommendation from the Occupational Therapist.

To apply for permission to carry out your own alterations, please contact your housing association:

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