If you are a freeholder, visit our improvements and alterations page (freeholders).
If you are a leaseholder, visit our improvements and alterations page (leaseholders).
If you're a secure council tenant, you have the right to make improvements or alterations to your home, if you get written permission from us.
Quick summary
| Who it's for | Secure council tenants in Leeds |
|---|---|
| Why we do it | We require you to seek permission to ensure that changes are safe, legal, appropriate for the property and don’t affect other tenants |
| When it happens | Before you start any improvement or alteration work |
| What you need to do | Request written permission and follow all regulations |
| How long it takes | You’ll be contacted within 28 working days of your request |
Examples of work you will need permission for
You will need permission before making changes involving:
- kitchens or bathrooms
- any electrical additions or alterations, including new wiring and central heating
- satellite dishes
- garden walls and fencing
- patios and driveways
Please note this list is not exhaustive. Please seek permission before making any improvements.
Where permission is refused
We will not provide permission for changes involving:
- conservatories
- extensions
- loft conversions
- ponds
Please note this list is not exhaustive.
You cannot alter shared or communal areas.
If you make changes without permission or to a poor standard, we may:
- require you to return the property to its original condition
- do the work ourselves and charge you
- take legal action to regain possession of the property
Before you make changes
You must get written permission before starting any work. Permission will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
To apply you can do one of the following:
- complete the permission form on the Tenant Portal
- email housingenquiries@leeds.gov.uk to request a permission form
- get a permission form from your local community hub
Permission may be refused if you owe money to the council or if you have applied to purchase your home.
During the decision process
We will:
- review your request and may:
- ask for more information
- arrange a property inspection
- contact you within 28 working days with a decision or to arrange a visit
- provide advice on how to meet safety and quality standards
If permission is approved, you must:
- make sure work is done by a competent person:
- gas work: Gas Safe registered engineer
- electrical work: NICEIC or ECA registered installer
- the Leeds Directory may be helpful in finding approved tradespeople
- obtain any necessary planning permission or building control approval
- inform your housing office once the work is complete
After the work is done
- If needed, we’ll carry out a follow-up inspection to make sure everything meets the required standards.
- You are responsible for maintaining any improvements you make. If the work meets required standards, we might agree to take responsibility for future repairs.
Extra support
We can help if you:
- need help completing the form
- require the information in another format or language
- have questions about what is or isn’t allowed
Contact your local housing team.
Details of your responsibilities for maintaining and improving your home can be found in your tenancy agreement.
