Your lease states you must ask our permission before carrying out structural alterations and additions to your home.
Examples of such work include:
- replacing windows or external doors
- installation of central heating
- removing or building walls or chimney breasts
- laying a driveway
- building a conservatory
As well as getting our permission you may also need to get building control approval and planning permission from us.
If you make any improvements or alterations without first obtaining written permission you will be breaking the terms of your lease.
We may ask for you to put your property back to how it was or insist that the alteration is of an acceptable standard.
If you wish to apply for permission, please download:
Details of where to send your completed form is on the form.
Major works
From time to time we will need to carry out major work to the building or estate, which includes your flat or maisonette.
As a leaseholder you are, in most cases, legally obliged to contribute towards the cost of this work. As a local authority landlord we are required by law to recover appropriate contributions from you.
If there are any major communal or structural works required and individual contributions will be more than £250, leaseholders will be notified by way of a section 20 notice, as legally required.
You will be invoiced separately for any major works necessary to your block of flats.
Examples of major include:
- repairs to or replacement of the roof, windows or communal areas
- external decorating
- painting of internal communal areas
For further information, please contact us or refer to your leasehold handbook.
Gas safety
If you rent out your flat and it contains a gas appliance (such as a fire or boiler), the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations Act 1994 applies to you.
You must make sure the flat and its appliances are safe.
Appliances that burn gas, coal or oil can produce carbon monoxide if they have not been fitted properly or services regularly.
Carbon monoxide is a gas that is poisonous. Every year about 40 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by faulty gas appliances.
Carbon monoxide can be difficult to detect because you cannot see, taste or smell it. You can also confuse the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning with those of other illnesses.
It is recommended that you have a carbon monoxide alarm in your property to warn you of any leaks that may occur.
By law, if you sub-let your property you must have your gas appliances checked for safety at least once a year. Any faults must be repaired by a Corgi registered gas installer. If you do not you could be prosecuted.
You can get more help and advice from British Gas.
