If you are a leaseholder, visit our improvements and alterations page (leaseholders).
If you are a tenant, visit our improvements and alterations page (tenants).
If you're a freeholder, 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 | Owners of ex-council properties |
|---|---|
| Why we do it | We require you to seek permission to ensure 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 |
Permission to make changes to your home
If you bought your home from Leeds City Council under the Right to Buy scheme, or bought your home from someone who did, you are classed as a freeholder. You must get written permission from the council before making any structural or external changes to your property.
This is a legal requirement based on the conditions in your property deeds. It applies even if you’ve already received planning permission or building control approval.
Examples of work you will need permission for
You’ll need permission for work such as:
- building extensions or conservatories
- installing sheds, fences, or external walls
- changing drainage or underground piping
- making changes near shared boundaries
- any work that affects council-owned land or neighbouring council properties
Find out if you also need a party wall agreement
You need a party wall agreement if your work involves:
- building on or near a shared boundary
- changing or removing a party wall
- digging near foundations
This is a legal agreement between you and the council if we own the neighbouring property. You’ll need to arrange this as part of your application.
Where permission is refused
If permission is refused, we’ll explain the reasons clearly. We may refuse permission if:
- the work blocks access to council land or shared areas
- it causes damage or long-term issues for the council
- it interferes with shared drains, pathways, or boundaries
If you carry out work without permission:
- you will be asked to apply retrospectively (this means submitting the same application form and drawings, providing certificates from building control or other relevant bodies, and paying the admin fee)
- you may be charged for any damage caused
- legal action may be taken if the work breaches your property deeds
We strongly recommend applying before starting any work to avoid delays or costs.
Before you make changes
To apply:
- Request a Freeholder Alteration Application Form from your local housing office.
- Include drawings or plans showing the proposed work.
- Pay an admin fee to cover the cost of processing your request. A standard admin fee applies to all applications. If a technical inspection is needed, this will be included in the fee. The fee is non-refundable, even if permission is not granted. Your local housing office will confirm the exact amount and how to pay.
During the decision process
Once we receive your application and payment, we’ll review the details and may arrange an inspection if needed.
We may arrange an inspection and visit the property if:
- the work affects council land or shared boundaries
- there are technical concerns about the proposed changes
An officer will contact you if a visit is needed.
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.
