We are committed to keeping all of our homes in excellent condition, both now and in the future. We do this by;

• Planning long term programmes to repair and modernise homes
• Repairing empty homes to a high standard ready for new tenants
• Providing a fast and effective day to day repairs service for our customers, backed up with help and advice from our team of Technical Services Advisors and Maintenance Inspectors.

Sometimes our customers want to make their own improvements or alterations to our properties. This information advises on the process you should follow before you start.

What is an improvement or alteration?

An improvement or alteration is anything you do to change the structure or fixtures and fittings of the property. This includes replacing kitchens and bathrooms, removing internal walls, adding extensions or conservatories and any other major works. A list of improvements can be found further down the page.

Permission for improvements and alterations

You have the right to carry out improvements to your home once you have gained our written permission. We will not normally refuse permission but we will expect you to show that the work will be carried out safely and to a good standard.

If you want to build an extension or remove interior walls we will require a copy of the plans, confirmation that you have planning permission from the local council and, if necessary, Building Regulations approval.

Our Maintenance Inspectors can visit you to provide you with advice about the improvements or alterations you want to make. Please call our Technical Services Advisors on 0300 500 6262 or email consents@chg.org.uk to arrange an appointment.

Will making improvements affect my payments?

Any improvements you make will not affect the rent that you pay to us. You may also be entitled to compensation for the improvements you have made if you move out of the property. For more information on this please read further down the page.

Repairs to the improvements

Ongoing repairs to the improvements you have made to your home will be your sole responsibility. We will confirm this to you in writing when we provide approval for the works to be carried out.

Moving out

When you move out we will expect you to either leave any improvements you have made in good order or return your home to the way it was before.

Compensation for improvements

When you move out you may be able to claim compensation for the cost of certain improvements you have made to your home. The types of improvements you can claim compensation for are;

• New kitchens
• New bathrooms
• New central heating systems

We will only pay compensation to you if at the time of the work being carried out you supplied us with;

• Three quotations from competent people or contractors
• Have met all our terms and conditions stated in our written permission letter agreeing to the work
• Kept hold of all invoices and receipts

Compensation will not be paid if you did not obtain our written permission to carry out the improvements or if you cannot provide us with proper receipts that show the original cost of the work.

You must claim compensation within 28 days of your tenancy ending. You cannot claim if your tenancy ended because you purchased your home or if we are ending your tenancy by taking you to court.