Alterations and Improvements

We love it when our residents want to make improvements to their home.

However it's important you contact us for approval of any work you want to carry out first, so we can check a range of things, including that the work you want to do won't affect the safety of your home or reduce the value of the property.

Asking for permission is a condition of your tenancy agreement and we won't unreasonably say no to improvement work but if we do, we'll fully explain our reasons why. Once we agree and you carry out the work, please note you may then be responsible for the ongoing repair and maintenance of any improvements but we'll talk to you about it when you apply.

As part of the agreement, you'll be expected to make sure:

• The work is carried out by a competent person, paid for by you and that we're happy with the completed work
• You use an approved installer if the work includes alterations to the gas and/or electrics
• You complete the work within six months of getting approval from us. If not, you'll need to reapply
• You let us know when the work is completed, so we can come and inspect it
• You check if planning permission or building regulations approval is needed with your local council

Once the work is complete and we're happy with it:

• We may accept responsibility for the future maintenance of your alteration or improvement but the cost of any work needed that's over and above our normal maintenance level will be charged to you
• Any improvements to decoration will be your responsibility to look after
• You may be entitled to compensation for the improvements if you move out of your home.

To request permission for a alteration or improvement to your home, please contact us by calling us on 0800 028 7428, emailing us at info@railwayha.co.uk or by contacting your community housing co-ordinator. To make a request online, please click here.