Tenants

Right to improve

You have the right to make improvements to your home as long as you get our written permission first. The improvement must meet a certain standard and should be done by a qualified or competent tradesperson. You will be responsible for maintaining the improvements you make.

We may refuse your request to make improvements if:

• the work would reduce the value of the property
• the work would make the property unsafe for the occupier
• the work would result in extra cost to Enfield Council.

If your tenancy is ending because you are leaving your home, you may be able to get compensation for improvements you have made. You can claim for the cost of materials and labour (but not your own labour). You will need to give us an invoice to show how much the improvements cost. If you don’t have one, you should be able to give us a rough idea of the total cost and you will need to show us proof that you have paid for the improvement.

The value of any improvement goes down as it gets older and as you get more use out of it. The amount of compensation you get will depend on the age of the improvement when you claim.

Your right to compensation applies to the following improvements (as long as they began on or after 1 April 2004):

• bath or shower, wash-hand basin and toilet
• kitchen sink and work surfaces for preparing food
• storage cupboards in the bathroom or kitchen
• central heating, hot-water boilers and other types of heating
• thermostatic radiator valves
• draught-proofing of external doors or windows
• double-glazing or other window replacement or secondary glazing
• rewiring, or providing power and lighting or other electrical fittings (including smoke detectors)
• security measures (excluding burglar alarms).

You should claim for compensation when you know you will be leaving your home. You have up to 14 days after your tenancy ends to make a claim. Contact your tenancy manager for more information and to ask for a form.