Most Leicester City Council tenants have a 'secure tenancy'. This means you have the right to carry out improvements to your home, after applying for permission from Housing Services. Each application is considered separately. If permission is not given we will write to you, explaining the reasons for our decision. You must not start any improvement work until you have received written permission.
Check the regulations
Once you have received permission, the next stage is to make sure the work you want to carry out complies with Building Regulations and planning requirements. It is best not to start any work until you have received written approval from the council sections concerned. Contact Building Control on (0116) 2526662 and Planning on (0116) 2527248 or to find out about the building and planning regulations that might affect you.
Please note:
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You will be responsible for the maintenance and repair of any addition or alteration to your home, and for making good any damage
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Any permanent alteration or addition becomes the property of the City Council and cannot be removed when you leave the property
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Any alteration you carry out without the permission may be removed by the City Council to restore the property to its original design. You would then be charged for the cost of this extra work
Low cost decorating service
The City Council offers a low cost decorating service (also called the Concessionary Decorating Scheme) for disabled and pensioner tenants. The work is carried out by council workers and the tenant is charged for their time and for the materials they use, with a discount of up to £100. Tenants can also provide their own wallpaper and emulsion paint if they want, as long as it is of a suitable standard and quality. Within this scheme, up to two rooms can be decorated every three years.
Work done through the decorating service must be paid for in advance, but you can arrange to pay instalments with your rent instead of one lump sum. Tenants applying for this scheme must have a clear rent account.
Decorating communal areas
Tenants are not responsible for decorating the communal areas of flats and maisonettes. The city council inspects them every five years and decorates them when necessary.
Adaptations for disabled tenants
If you are disabled you may need adaptations to your home – such as ramps, level access, hand rails, raised power points, lower work surfaces in the kitchen, a stair lift or a hoist for the bath. If you need adaptations in your home, please call (0116) 252 7004 and ask for an Occupational Therapy referral.
