Home improvements
Understand when you can make changes to your home, what needs permission, and how to approach your landlord about improvements you’d like to make
Home improvements are changes you may want to make to your home, such as decorating, fitting new fixtures, or adapting rooms to better suit your needs. In social housing, improvements are treated differently from repairs and are shaped by tenancy rules and residents’ rights.
It is entirely understandable that tenants will want to make improvements to their home. Social landlords should recognise and respect this, while setting clear and fair rules about what needs permission and how requests are considered.
What counts as a home improvement?
A home improvement is work that goes beyond fixing something that is broken and instead makes your home better than its original condition. This could include fitting a new kitchen or bathroom, changing layouts, or installing new fixtures. Simple decorating is often allowed, but more permanent or structural changes usually need approval.
Repairs vs improvements
Landlords are responsible for repairs — keeping your home safe, secure and in good working order. Improvements are different and are not usually something a landlord must provide, unless they are part of planned works or are needed for health, safety or accessibility reasons.
Getting permission
Most social housing tenants need written permission before making improvements. Your tenancy agreement should explain what is allowed, what needs consent, and whether approved improvements may qualify for compensation when your tenancy ends. Landlords can refuse permission, but decisions should be reasonable and clearly explained.
Disability and adaptations
Where an improvement is linked to a disability — such as adapting a bathroom or improving access — landlords have additional responsibilities. They should consider requests carefully and support reasonable adjustments, which may include carrying out the work themselves or helping tenants access grant funding.
Before you start
Always make sure permission, costs, and future responsibilities are agreed in writing. Carrying out work without consent can cause problems later.
Useful links
Four Million Homes A–Z: Repairs
Four Million Homes A–Z: Adaptations
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