DIY and Home Improvements

Requests that will be permitted, without the need for you to make a formal application request are listed below. Please note that although you did not need formal permission, you must ensure you adhere to any specific requirements provided. 
 
For these requests you must email or phone our Customer Hub to explain what works you intend to carry out so that we can update your tenancy records. 

Failure to do so will invalidate the Approval status and works will be deemed Unauthorised 

The table includes a list of alterations that will automatically be refused by Platform, along with the reason for refusal. Any applications received for these types of requests will not be processed and you will be notified of this by our Customer Hub. 

Your alteration request will automatically be refused if there is a breach of your tenancy, for example:  

• Significant non-payment of rent 
• Evidence of wilful damage or neglect to the property 
• Unauthorised alteration requests 
• Involvement in or subject to an antisocial behaviour order. 

Alteration requests will generally not be considered if your property is less than 12 months old as alterations may invalidate your new homes build warrantee.  

If you live in a house or bungalow, there are a number of exceptions, as follows: 

• A digital TV aerial or standard satellite dish 
• A shed or greenhouse 
• Laminate flooring 

Recharges cover the cost of work, admin fees, and VAT (if applicable). Here’s what to keep in mind:  

• Poor Workmanship: If platform considers that the work isn’t up to standard, you’ll need to fix it or restore your home to its original state.  
• Ending Your Tenancy: You may need to return your home to its original state before moving out.  
• Unauthorised Works: Any unapproved alterations must be undone. This includes work: 
• That was refused or done without our approval. 
• Started before receiving a decision from us. 
• Not completed to legal standards or without the required certification/ documentation, which needs to be received by us within 12 months of the approval date. 
• Subsequent Repairs: If the alteration causes damage, you must repair it or restore your home to how it was before the work took place.  
• Obstructing Maintenance: If your alteration work blocks required future maintenance, you may need to return your home to how it was before the alteration works took place or the cost of required maintenance work will be recharged to you.  
• Completion delays: If you don’t complete the alteration or reinstatement work on time, we’ll do it for you, and you’ll be recharged. 

Failing to get the proper approvals can result in severe penalties from your local authority. Alterations completed without the required consents will be considered Unauthorised, and any approval from us will be withdrawn. 

It’s your responsibility to check what consents and approvals you need, for example:  

• Planning Permission & Building Regulations: Check if approval is needed from your Local Authority. If required, get the necessary consents and share copies with us for our records . If not, you will need to provide written confirmation. 
• Party Wall Act 1996: If the work affects shared walls, you will need to check where this act will apply. If so, you will need to get your neighbours’ consent and cover any related costs. You will need to provide copies of the relevant documentation for our records, confirming that this has been done, before work commences. 
• Other Approvals: Check if any other permissions are needed and secure them. 

You can seek our permission by completing the form below, making sure that you provide as much information as you can. 

Please note: If you carry out any unauthorised work you will need to be put back to its original condition at your own expense. 

Once we receive your completed form and any related documents, within [timescale] we will: 

•  Review your request and contact you if we need any further information. 
• Let you know if we are able to give permission for you to go ahead, along with any appropriate conditions. 

Occasionally we may refuse permission, but we will explain our reasons.  

No work should be undertaken without our permission. However, if you have undertaken work without our permission you will need to apply for retrospective consent.  

This will involve going through the same permission process as outlined above. 

The Housing Corporation Regulatory Circular 94-33, titled ‘Right to Repair & Right to Compensation for Improvements’ (issued in December 1994 and revised in August 2002) explains tenants' rights to compensation. It outlines when you can claim compensation for approved improvements you have made to your home and end your tenancy before the improvement's expected lifespan ends. 

Compensation can only be paid at the end of your tenancy and is subject to Platform giving approval for the works you have undertaken.  

To apply for compensation you need to write to Platform, 28 days before the end of your tenancy and 21 days after your tenancy ends, with copies of all invoices and written evidence that Approval for the alteration was given by us.  

The maximum amount of compensation payable is £5,000 and the minimum is £100. Any calculated compensation figure below £100 will not be payable. Compensation is calculated based on the original cost of the improvement and life expectancy of the improvement you have carried out. 

The designated improvements with their respective life cycles are as follows: