Home improvements
If you are a tenant
You are allowed to carry out certain improvements to your home at your own cost.
You do not need to get permission before:
- decorating inside your home
- laying carpet where this doesn’t affect fire doors, or
- carrying out minor improvements.
What you need to tell us
You must get written permission from us before starting work such as replacing your kitchen, dividing a room or changing light fittings. It is important you let us know as there may be health and safety issues concerning the area you want to work on. For example, there may be asbestos containing materials in your home which could be dangerous.
Find out more about how we deal with asbestos in the homes we manage.
We will usually say yes to improvements as long as they are safe and do not cause a future maintenance problem, or a problem for your neighbours.
You will need to send full details of what you intend to do and what contractor you plan to use, as we need to be sure that contractors are qualified to do the work. You should contact your Housing Manager to talk about any improvements you would like to make before you apply for permission online.
You may also need to contact the council as the work may be subject to planning and building regulation approval. For information about planning approval and building regulations please contact Sutton Council (opens in new window) for advice.
What you are responsible for
You will be responsible for maintaining and repairing any alterations or improvements you make to your home.
If you move out, you are expected to remove all belongings, including carpets and some other improvements you have made. We will tell you when you request permission whether you will need to undo work. If you do not remove these items, you may be recharged.
If you are a leaseholder
As a leaseholder you are allowed to make certain improvements in your home. However, if you plan to improve areas that are our responsibility to maintain under the lease, you must get permission from us before you start any work.
You will need to send full details of what you want to do and what contractor you plan to use, as we need to be sure that contractors are qualified to do the work. You may also need to contact Sutton Council (opens in new window) as the work may be subject to planning and building regulation approval.
Email our Home Ownership Team if you have any questions, or apply for permission online.