Local Authority Housing Association Home - Structural Modifications

frothy-coffee_2

Hi,
Before contacting my landlord 'Accent Peerless' I wanted to ask the question here first.

I've never rented before and would like to know whether landlords general allow structural modifications to be made (building and planning permission forthcoming). I want to change a single side window in the lounge into a single door which would then open onto the side garden. I'm prepared to pay for the work myself as it's quite a simple job and not prohibitively expensive.

phill99

Instead of everyone on here trying to guess what your landlord will and will not allow, why don't you ask them and then you have the definitive answer.

The worst they can do is say 'No'. They won't evict you, put a curse on you, force canine excrement though your letter box and they won't drown any puppies.

olly300

The easiest way to find out if structural alterations are allowed is to see if one of your neighbours has done it already as it sets a precedent.

If they haven't then you are just going to have to apply to your landlord and see if you are allowed to do it.

megc_2

Have a look in your tenancy agreement too, as that might give some indication of what sort of improvements they allow (their website might give more information too.)
And as other people said, ring them and ask them! Worst they can do is say no.

iamcornholio

LA's and HA's must normally allow improvements and appropriate alterations to the rented property.

Requests can only be refused if there is a valid reason, e.g. long term maintenance issues, or not feasible etc.

Also there may be a compensation scheme for claiming back certain costs of improvements if you leave the property within a certain time and the improvement has increased the property value