If you want to make improvements to your council home, you will usually need our written permission before starting work.
This page explains who can make improvements, when permission is needed and how to apply.
Who can make improvements
Whether you can make home improvements depends on your type of tenancy.
- Secure tenants - You can make improvements but you must get our written permission first.
- Introductory tenants - We will consider your request, but permission is usually only granted once you become a secure tenant.
- Demoted tenants - You cannot make improvements to your home.
If you're not sure what type of tenancy you have, check your tenancy agreement.
What improvements need permission
You do not need permission for minor DIY tasks, such as:
- painting and decorating
- putting up shelves
- changing bath panels
However, you must get permission before carrying out any work that changes your home beyond minor DIY or decorating. For example:
- installing a shower
- decorating the outside of your home
- installing an aerial or satellite dish
- putting up a shed, porch or fence
If you're unsure whether permission is needed, contact us before starting work.
Apply for permission
Email landlordservices@oxford.gov.uk to apply for permission at least 28 days before you plan to start work.
You will need to provide:
- your name, address and contact details
- details of the work you want to carry out
- a plan or drawing, if you have one
- a list of the materials you plan to use
What happens after you apply
We will arrange for a surveyor to visit your home. The surveyor will:
- check the work is safe
- assess any impact on your home and neighbouring properties
- advise if you also need planning permission or building regulations approval
We will write to you with our decision within 10 working days of the surveyor's visit.
If your application is approved
You can start work once you have:
- our written agreement
- any other approvals you need, such as planning permission or building regulations approval
Any gas or electrical work must be carried out by a suitably qualified contractor.
If your application is refused
You must not carry out the work.
If you do, we will ask you to return your home to its original condition, or we will do it and charge you for it. We may also take legal action if you breach your tenancy agreement.
Before you start work
For your safety, you must not:
- carry out work to gas or electrical fittings
- drill into walls where electrical wires might run
- damage or disturb any materials that may contain asbestos
Read our guidance on asbestos in council homes.
If you're unsure whether a board or panel in your home contains asbestos, please speak to customer services before starting any work.
When the work is finished
Tell us when the work has been completed.
We will inspect it within 3 months to make sure it meets the agreed standard. If it does not, we may ask you to fix it or to return the property to its original condition.
Maintaining your improvements
You are responsible for maintaining and repairing any improvements you make.
We have the right to inspect the work at any time or insist on the way the work is carried out.
When your tenancy ends
Taking improvements with you
You may be able to take any items that are not part of the building’s structure, such as cupboards.
You must repair any damage caused when removing them, such as filling in holes, repainting walls or replacing the original fittings. If you don't, we may charge you for the cost of putting the property back into its original condition.
Claiming compensation
You may be able to claim compensation for certain improvements you leave behind, such as central heating or bathroom fittings.
You can only claim compensation if:
- you had our written permission before carrying out the work
- you have the original receipts
- the amount of compensation is more than £50
You can't claim compensation if:
- you carried out the work without our permission
- your tenancy ended because you breached the tenancy conditions and we made you leave
Email landlordservices@oxford.gov.uk to claim compensation. Make sure to include your name, address and all relevant information, including copies of receipts.
You should claim compensation when your tenancy ends, which is usually when you move.
