Improvements and alterations
Improvements
All secure tenants have a right to carry out improvements and make alterations to their home providing permission has been obtained from Brent Housing Partnership first.
Tenants are responsible for the repairs and maintenance of all improvements and alterations.
The following list provides examples of home improvements:
- Installing a shower or central heating
- fitting double glazing
- fitting gas or electric fires
- putting up aerials for television or radio
- plumbing in of washing machines
- changes to fitted units and bathroom suites
- fitting security doors or grilles.
Alterations
You may be required to obtain planning permission or building regulation approval if you wish to carry out alterations to your home.
These are some examples of such alterations:
- Building an extension
- partitioning of rooms
- removing walls and chimney breasts
- adding a garage or car parking space
Before making any improvements or alterations to your home contact your housing officer to get further advice.
Permission
You do not require permission, for minor improvements such as fitting shelves and cupboards or installing secondary glazing.
You must, however, obtain permission before carrying out all other improvements or alterations. Brent Housing Partnership can only refuse permission if it has a good reason. If permission is refused, you will be given the reasons for refusal in writing.
You can discuss the matter further with your local surveyor. You may also wish to seek independent advice. If you still feel unhappy about the decision you can apply to the county court for a judgement. If the court is satisfied that refusal is unreasonable it can overturn Brent Housing Partnership's decision. You can also make a formal complaint by completing a 'How to Complain about Brent Housing Partnership' form.