Permission to improve your home will not be refused without good reason, and only in cases where, for example it could affect the safety of your house, or involve us in extra expense.
If we refuse permission, we will write to you and explain why permission has been refused, and you can write to us to appeal that decision.
If we are taking legal action against your tenancy, then permission for improvements may not be given. Please ask your Housing Officer for further advice.
If you have carried out certain improvements to your home, with our permission, you may be eligible for compensation if you end your tenancy in the future.
The rules for compensation are set out in the Scottish Secure Tenants (Compensation for Improvements) Regulations 2002 and apply to improvements completed after 30 September 2002.
Improvements that are eligible for compensation are:
- Bath or shower
- Cavity wall insulation
- Sound insulation
- Double glazing or other window replacement or secondary glazing
- Draught proofing or external doors and windows
- Insulation of pipes, water tank or cylinder
- Installation of mechanical ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens
- Kitchen sink
- Loft insulation
- Rewiring and provision of power and lighting or other electrical fixtures including smoke detectors
- Security measures other than burglar alarms
- Space or water heating
- Storage cupboards in bathroom or kitchen
- Thermostatic radiator valves
- Wash hand basin
- Toilet
- Worktops for food preparation.
The compensation amount is calculated based on the age of the improvement, the original cost of the improvement and the condition of the improvement when your tenancy ends. The maximum amount of compensation is £4,000 and the minimum amount is £100.
If you owe us money at the end of your tenancy (for instance for unpaid rent or rechargeable repairs) then this is deducted from any compensation due.
If you are making an alteration to your property that might be eligible for future compensation it is important to keep receipts for the work as this will make a future compensation claim more straightforward.
If you were a secure tenant and carried out improvements to your home before September 2002, you may be entitled to compensation under the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987, if the improvements were approved and they would materially add to the value of your property. This is entirely at the discretion of the Association.
