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Making changes to your property

Leaseholder handbook - making changes to your property

You can redecorate and replace fittings inside your home.

You can not make structural changes or alterations without our written permission.

When you need permission

You must apply for permission is you want to:

  • Change your front door - it must meet fire regulations
  • Remove walls - to ensure they are not load-bearing. You will need to include a structural survey with your application
  • Replace windows - to check that the design or specification will not cause future problems, such as condensation
  • Install a satellite dish - due to planning restrictions
  • Build an extension or conservatory - this may interfere with future building maintenance, such as scaffolding.

If you make alterations to the outside of your property without our written permission, you are breaching the terms of your lease and could struggle to sell your flat.

Apply to make changes to your property

You will need to complete a Tenants' Request for Improvements/Alterations form:

Apply for permission now

Please include detailed information about the work you plan to do. We will only refuse permission if the work affects building safety or causes a nuisance to your neighbours.

If we grant permission, we may set conditions you must stick to.

Before starting work, you should also check if you need planning permission or building regulation approval. If you do not check, you will be breaching the conditions of your lease. 

More information

Expand all

  • Changing your front door

    You can replace your front door, but you must get our permission first. Your front door plays a crucial role in protecting you, your home, and your neighbours.

    Fire safety requirements

    Flat entrance doors are designed to prevent fire from spreading. If you replace yours, the new door must be fire-resistant for at least 30 minutes. You may also need building regulations approval if you want a door with different specifications.

    If you live in a flat with long hallways inside, you might also need fire-resistant internal doors. However, if your door leads directly to the street (not through a shared enclosed area), these fire regulations do not apply. If you're unsure, check with us first.

    Door replacement requirements

    • The new door must be able to resist fire for at least 30 minutes
    • PVCu doors or glazed doors are not allowed
    • The door must have:
      • A self-closing device
      • Steel (not aluminium) hinges
      • Metal door catches
    • Large openings (such as cat flaps) are not allowed.
    • Letterboxes are permitted (if there is no other way to have your post delivered) but must be in the lower third of the door.

    If you've already changed your door

    If you've changed your door in the past without our permission, please send us details. If your door meets fire-safety standards, we will approve it.

    However, if your door does not meet regulations, we will ask you to:

    • Reinstall the old door, or
    • Install a compliant door

    You will need to cover any costs involved.

  • Installing a satellite dish

    If your block has a shared Integrated Reception Systems (IRS) aerial that provides satellite and digital terrestrial TV and FM and digital radio, you cannot install an extra satellite dish.

    If your flat does not have a socket for the shared aerial, we can install one for a small fee.

    If you live in a maisonette, you must get our written permission before installing a satellite dish.

Page Last Updated: Thursday, 06 February 2025 at 02:51 PM