Making Your Own Improvements

Before starting any improvements to your property, it is important to check whether you need our permission. 

Everything you need to know about making improvements to your home can be found below.

What Improvements Can I Make?

Please note that this is not a complete list but gives an indication as to the types of work that will require permission and those that won't.  If you are unsure, please contact our permissions team via the email us link below.

Please be aware that:

• Any work must be carried out at your own expense
• Any remedial work or damage arising from the work carried out under this permission must be made good at your own expense
• St Leger Homes will not be liable for any costs or fees for this application
• All materials must be new and comply with British Standards
• The completed work must be to St Leger Homes Satisfaction

Applying for Permission

Applying for permission is free and easy, all you need to do is complete and submit the contact us form below.

Once we have received your enquiry you will receive an acknowledgement to your request, and it will be considered.

Please note we have up to 20 working days to respond to your application, so please do not contact us to chase your application up until the 20 days have expired.

You should not start any improvements or alterations to your home until we have confirmed you can do so.

Your request may require a visit to your home from our Resident Services Surveyor to discuss your plans with you. If this is the case a member of the team will contact you to arrange an appointment with you at a convenient date and time.

You will be notified of our decision along with any conditions that are attached to the permission.  If permission is not granted, you can appeal through our complaints process.

Planning Permission, Permitted Development & Building Regulations

Sometimes the improvements you want to make may also require planning permission, adherence to building regulations or confirmation that falls within your permitted development rights.

These are administered by the City of Doncaster Council and may incur a charge to you.

For more information please visit Planning Portal - The UK Governments online planning and building regulations resource.

Conditions

There are conditions set for each permission, many of which are the same for all, however there are some permissions that come with specifications, some of which we have listed below, however, this list is not a complete list, but will give you an idea of some of the conditions required for different types of improvements.

Although there are improvements that you do not require permission from us, you would still be expected to adhere to certain conditions.

All the following conditions must be met and failure to comply may result in you being recharged.

• This work must be carried out at your own expense.
• Any remedial work or damage arising from the work carried out under this permission must be made good at your own expense.
• St. Leger Homes will not be liable for any costs or fees for this application.    
• All materials must be new and comply with British Standards.
• The completed work must be to St. Leger Homes satisfaction.
• Work carried out to the fabric of the property 
  If the work area may have suspect asbestos containing material, SLHD
  will provide you with an asbestos report.  The tenant must request a copy on behalf of the contractor before work commences.  Any work carried out in these areas must be completed by a contactor in compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.  You must provide a method statement/plan of work: some work with asbestos can only be carried out by a licensed asbestos contractor and in these cases you must provide a copy of this licence, any notifications made to the HSE, waste certificates and air monitoring certificates.

Specifications

Laminate Flooring

• Acoustic underlay must be fitted.
• Door thresholds must be fitted.
• Expansion gap must be left around skirting.
• All laminate flooring must be removed on termination of your tenancy.
• All areas where flooring has been fitted must be made good.
• If SLHD or an appointed contractor are required to make improvements that require the removal and refitting of your flooring, this work must be carried out at your own expense.
  

Water Meter

• Work must be carried out by the relevant water authority for your area (Yorkshire Water or Severn Trent).

Painting Fences & Gates

• Permitted colours – brown or green only.
• Only wood preserve coatings may be used.
• Surrounding areas and floors must be protected and kept clean of coatings.
  

Installation of internal doors

• Internal doors may be fitted to your taste with the door furniture of your choice.
• Hinges must be sufficient to hang the type of door that you are fitting.
• Doors must not open onto light switches, radiators, heating controls, kitchen units or cookers.
• Architrave and surrounding areas must be made good.
  

This list is not exhaustive and these are just a few of our conditions.  If you are unsure of what conditions relate to your permission please get in touch.