Improvements to your home policy

Introduction

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) Housing Management is committed to ensuring that residents live in safe, well-maintained homes while having the flexibility to personalise their living spaces. This policy applies to secure tenants and leaseholders and sets out the principles for making improvements and alterations to properties managed by RBKC.

RBKC supports residents in carrying out internal decorative works, such as painting and wallpapering, without prior consent. However, written permission must be obtained for any alterations or improvements that go beyond surface decoration, including structural changes, kitchen or bathroom modifications, or works that may affect building safety, compliance, or communal areas.

This policy sets out how RBKC will manage and regulate alterations carried out by residents, ensuring homes remain safe, well‑maintained and compliant.

RBKC will:

• assess all requests for improvements fairly, transparently, and in line with statutory requirements.
• ensure works undertaken do not compromise health and safety, fire safety, or building regulations.
• provide clear guidance on permissions, conditions, and responsibilities for residents.
• act where unauthorised works are identified, including reinstatement or recharging where necessary

It is essential to notify the Council of your intention to alter or improve your home, so we can ensure the works comply with building regulations and any other relevant regulations and to ensure there are no health and safety risks.

Where certain alterations are carried out without the Council being notified (and without permission being granted), this could pose a health and safety risk to occupants and other users of the building as we would not know if these works complied with building and other relevant regulations. 

Therefore, RBKC Housing Management has a duty to investigate reports of unauthorised alterations and improvements carried out by residents.  Where RBKC become aware of unauthorised works, we will inspect the works and confirm if they are safe and compliant with statutory requirements.

If the works are not found to be compliant, residents may be asked to remedy the situation or to reinstate the property to its original condition or we may carry out the works ourselves and recharge the resident.

Related documents

• RBKC Tenancy Agreement
• RBKC Lease Agreement (for leaseholders)
• RBKC Tenant’s Handbook
• RBKC Repairs Policy
• RBKC Recharge Policy
• RBKC Fire Safety Policy
• RBKC Health & Safety Policy
• RBKC Gas Safety and Management Policy
• RBKC Electrical Safety Policy
• RBKC Sheds Policy
• RBKC ASB Policy

Legal context

This policy will ensure full compliance with relevant legislation and regulatory requirements on improvements and alterations in the property. 

This policy adheres to the following legislation and guidance:

• Building Safety Act 2022
• Housing Act 2004
• Building Act 1984
• Building Regulations 2010
• Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
• Gas Safety Regulations 1998
• Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
• Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
• Fire Safety Act 2021
• The Secure Tenants of Local Authorities (Compensation for Improvements) Regulations 1994
• Leaseholder Protections 2023

Glossary

A Deed of Variation is a formal, legal document used by landlords and leaseholders to alter specific terms of an existing lease, such as, repair obligations, or restrictive covenants without creating a completely new lease. Once issued, the leaseholder becomes responsible for the affected element (such as windows) and for its future repair and maintenance from the date the deed takes effect.

A Licence to Alter is a formal, legal document from a freeholder (landlord) giving permission for a leaseholder to make structural changes to a property. It outlines the approved work, conditions, and protections for all parties, often required for renovations, reconfigurations, or installing new fixtures. Failure to obtain one can breach the lease, risking legal action or forced reinstatement.

A Letter of Consent is written permission issued by RBKC Housing Management to a leaseholder for minor alterations to their home. It is used where the proposed works are small‑scale, low‑risk and do not require a formal Licence to Alter. The letter sets out the conditions under which the works may proceed and confirms that the Council, as freeholder, agrees to the alteration. A letter of consent is typically suitable for straightforward improvements that do not affect services, fire safety, or communal areas.
Demised Premises is the part of the property that legally belongs to a leaseholder, as defined in their lease.

Notice of Intent (NOI) – Section 20 A consultation letter sent to leaseholders when the council plans major works. Deadlines in the NOI affect whether alterations (e.g. window replacement) can be approved.

Golden Thread – a live digital record that captures all safety critical information about the building. Originating from the UK’s Building Safety Act, it ensures that that right people have the right data at the right time to keep buildings and occupants safe.

Works that generally don’t require permission

The below home improvements are permitted without written permission:

• internal decorating (for example, painting and wallpapering).
• like‑for‑like replacement of internal fittings (for example, kitchen unit doors, taps or sanitaryware) where there is no change to plumbing, gas or electrical installations.
• minor fixtures such as shelving, curtain rails and internal blinds.
• replacement of white goods where no new plumbing, gas or electrical work is required.

Works that do require prior written permission

The below home improvements are permitted

• any structural change (for example, removing or adding walls; forming new openings).
• changes to the layout or use of rooms (for example, moving a kitchen or bathroom).
• kitchen or bathroom replacement where plumbing, gas or electrical systems will be altered.
• changes to floor finishes (for example, hard or laminate flooring),
• works affecting building services (for example, electrical rewiring; consumer unit changes; new heating systems; boiler replacement; alterations to water, waste or ventilation).
• alterations to doors and windows; external works; changes to the external appearance. This includes removal of internal doors and where there is evidence of a door removal, we will instruct the resident to reinstate to the original condition OR will undertake works and recharge to the resident.
• garden works that alter surfaces, drainage or boundaries (for example, patios, driveways, dropped kerbs, walls or fences).
• outbuildings or attached external structures (for example, sheds, lean-to structures or conservatories).
• installations that may need separate approvals (for example, electric vehicle charging points; renewable technologies; mobility scooter charging points).
• any work in a listed building, a conservation area or a higher‑risk building 
• any work that may disturb asbestos‑containing materials

This list is not exhaustive.

Works that are not permitted

The home improvements listed below are not permitted:

• anything that negatively affects fire safety (i.e. changing, decorating, altering or removing any fire doors, including flat entrance doors in blocks),
• any works in communal areas, including altering or interfering with communal or structural elements (for example, risers, stacks, load‑bearing walls, roofs, windows or foundations) unless specifically authorised by licence,
• installing open fires, wood or ethanol stoves, or other solid‑fuel appliances in flats,
• satellite dishes on blocks (unless expressly permitted for the block/estate),
• the installation of security gates, grilles, or similar security measures to communal areas, including balconies, entrance doors, and windows.

Security gates and grilles

The installation of security gates, grilles, or similar security devices is strictly prohibited unless approved in writing by RBKC following an assessment of need.

Any approved installation must comply with all current fire safety and health and safety requirements.

Existing security gates or grilles will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Neighbourhood Manager and Building Safety Manager. 

Unauthorised installations will likely be required to be removed at the resident's expense.

RBKC may cover the costs of the removal of gates/grilles if installed by the Council or where the resident can evidence that RBKC granted approval of the installation.

Residents with a disability or protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010 (or vulnerable residents) with concerns about their personal safety within their home, should contact their NSC in the first instance. 

Where appropriate, RBKC may carry out a Person-Centred Fire Risk Assessment (PCFRA) to identify suitable, fire-safe measures to support the resident's safety and evacuation needs.

If you are concerned about anti-social behaviour, please refer to Antisocial Behaviour Policy 2025 | Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

Tenants should familiarise themselves with the conditions of their tenancy agreement when requesting permission for alterations/additions/improvements.

Secure tenants can make improvements, additions and alterations to their home, provided they have received RBKC’s written consent and obtained necessary approvals before works commence.

Introductory tenants are not allowed to make improvements, additions or alterations to their home.

Improvements within the demise will generally be considered as the tenant’s or leaseholder’s fixtures and fittings and will be their responsibility to maintain. 

Leaseholder Rights and Responsibilities

Leaseholders are entitled to make alterations in accordance with terms and conditions of their lease, provided that landlord written consent is issued in the form of licence before they carry out any work.

Leaseholders must obtain written consent from the landlord before making any alterations. Depending on the works, this may require:

• a Licence to Alter, or
• a Letter of Consent for minor improvements.

Leaseholders must:

• review their lease to understand limitations
• submit a formal request before works begin
• provide plans, specifications, engineer reports, and contractor details if required
• obtain planning or building control approval where required
• conduct works safely using qualified contractors
• notify neighbours where appropriate
• complete works within the licence period and keep within the demised premises
• take responsibility for any damage caused to communal or neighbouring areas
• arrange decanting if the scale of works requires it
• ensure that any works comply with all applicable fire safety requirements in force at the time of installation

Please see application form for full details.

High-risk and non-high-risk building control applications

For works in higher risk building at 18 metres or seven storeys and above in height, leaseholders are required to submit a building control application for approval to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR). Further information on the application process can be found at: Building control approval for higher-risk buildings - GOV.UK.

Once approval is gained from the BSR, leaseholder must send the full scope of works and BSR approval documentations to the Building Safety Team to review and update Building Safety Case for the building if necessary. This is to ensure RBKC hold a full record of building works in line with Golden Thread requirements. 

For non-high-risk buildings (below 18 metres or less than seven storeys in height). You will need to submit a Building Control application for approval to a building control body. Further information on the application process can be found at: Submit a Building Control application.

Window replacement - Conditions for granting a Licence to Alter or Deed of Variation

Leaseholders wishing to replace their windows must obtain both a Deed of Variation and a Licence to Alter. A Deed of Variation is required to transfer responsibility for the windows from the landlord to the leaseholder, and the Licence to Alter gives formal permission for the works to proceed. 

Enquiry will be referred to the Housing Management Leaseholder Alterations Team, who will liaise directly with leaseholder to progress application. A fee is payable before the team reviews application. Fees are non-refundable and collected by the Leasehold Alterations Team. For information and fees please go to https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/building-control/submit-building-control-application

Before permission to replace windows can be granted, the following conditions must be met:

• all required fees have been paid.
• there are no breaches of the lease, including: service charge arrears, outstanding administration or legal fees, unauthorised alterations, or an unregistered sublet.
• the building is no higher than four storeys (ground + three upper floors).
• the property is not listed.
• the property is not located within a conservation area.
• where major works are planned, the application (including payment of the fee) must be submitted before the end of the Section 20 Notice of Intent (NOI) observation period.

If the windows are demised to the leaseholder through a Deed of Variation, and the leaseholder either fails to replace them when required or completes the work to an unsatisfactory standard, they will be in breach of their lease covenant to keep the interior of the demised premises including the windows in substantial repair.

Once the windows have been transferred to the leaseholder under a Deed of Variation, the leaseholder becomes responsible for all future maintenance and repair of the windows from the date of issue. 

It does not apply to windows that are explicitly demised to the leaseholder under the terms of their lease. Responsibility for such windows shall remain as set out in the lease agreement. Any alteration or replacement must nevertheless comply with all applicable legal, planning, conservation and building safety requirements.

For approval process in high-risk building please see section 12.

Process overview for permissions, unauthorised alterations, remedial works and escalations

Where permission is required for certain improvements or alterations, residents (secure tenants/leaseholders) must contact RBKC Housing Management and request (and receive) written permission before they start works. Application form (leaseholders) can be obtained by contacting Home Ownership Team (see below)

All relevant information (and photographs) should be included within the request including the type of works requested, who will carry it out and any planning permission and building regulation approval required. Contact details as follows:

Secure tenants, contact the Neighbourhood Team:

• [email protected] or [email protected]

Leaseholders, contact the Home Ownership Team:

• [email protected]

Requests to Grenfell Housing Service, contact: 

• [email protected] 

Leaseholders are required to submit a licence application for works. Works can only commence once the licence or letter of consent is issued. For more information on leaseholder alterations including fees, please refer to the following link: Leaseholder alterations: improving your home | Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

Time limits for starting and completing works will be set in the permission/licence.

For details on fees, please refer to application form.

Only permission given in writing will be considered consent. 

Residents are asked to follow all reasonable conditions. Any non-compliance with conditions will be treated as a breach of tenancy/lease conditions and could result in consent being withdrawn.

RBKC will not unreasonably withhold permission for works, however, permission will not be granted if the works, for example, increase fire risk or do not comply with relevant regulations and approvals. Each request will be considered on its merit.

Residents must ensure that any works undertaken do not cause damage to their home, any adjoining properties and communal areas of the building.

Residents are responsible for ensuring the works carried out do not alter/affect the plumbing and drainage, or ventilation, as this may cause problems to their home and those of their neighbours. 

A tenant or leaseholder who does not apply for written consent before carrying out work will be required to seek retrospective consent. Retrospective consent will be given based on:

• a surveyor’s and/or relevant expert’s professional opinion of the works including confirmation the works are safe
• relevant certification for the work provided
• agreement that the resident would be responsible for the repair and upkeep of the works 

Tenant/leaseholder may only be granted retrospective consent, subject to meeting building control regulations. 

If works are deemed not safe (and/or retrospective consent is not granted), RBKC will take relevant steps, which can include legal action.

Action would include asking the tenant/leaseholder to reinstate the property to its original condition or to recover any necessary costs to the Council.

There may be instances when RBKC will undertake reinstatement of the works if they are deemed unsafe, causing damage to the structure of the property or adjoining properties/communal areas or the tenant/leaseholder does not rectify the issues within an appropriate timeframe. Recharges would apply accordingly.

Any Building Control action would be dependent on the type of breach of the building regulations.

Compensation for tenant improvements

A secure tenant may be eligible to apply for compensation at the point of moving out (ending their tenancy) if they have made improvements that have increased the value of the property. This is in accordance with The Secure Tenants of Local Authorities (Compensation for Improvements) Regulations 1994. (England only). 

If you have any questions about this, please contact your Neighbourhood Team.

Helpful contact information (permissions and adaptations)

If residents are unsure of what works require permission, please contact RBKC Housing Management – call 0800 137 111 or by email: 

[email protected].

Tenants who need aids or adaptations to be installed in their home, for example, handrails or ramps, should contact RBKC’s Housing Adaptations Team for more information by email:

[email protected] ,or call  020 8964 6141 or contact Adult Social Care (ASC) by email on [email protected] or by phone on 020 7361 3013 to enquire about an Occupational Therapist (OT) assessment.

Leaseholders should contact ASC and enquire about Occupational Therapist (OT) assessment. For more information, please refer to https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/housing/rbkc-resident-information/grants-and-adaptations

GDPR & Data Protection

As a directorate of RBKC, Housing Management shares the commitment to ensure that all data is:

• processed lawfully, fairly and in a transparent manner
• collected for a specific and legitimate purpose and not used for anything other than this stated purpose, or as provided for in our privacy and fair processing notices
• relevant and limited to whatever the requirements are for which the data is processed
• accurate, and where necessary, kept up to date. Any identified inaccuracies will be amended or removed without undue delay
• stored for as long as required, as specified within RBKC’s Records Retention policy
• secured with appropriate solutions, which protect the data against unauthorised or unlawful processing and accidental loss, destruction or damage.

For further information about the Council’s commitment to the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), visit the Council’s website at www.rbkc.gov.uk.

Equalities Statement

The Council is committed to promoting fair and equal access to services and equal opportunities in employment, the procurement of goods and as a community leader. The Council’s policies, procedures and day to day practices have been established to promote an environment which is free from unlawful and unfair discrimination, while valuing the diversity of all people.  

Discrimination on the grounds of race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, gender, marital status, sexuality, disability and age is not acceptable:  the Council will take action to ensure no person using the council’s premises or services receives less favourable treatment or is disadvantaged by requirements or conditions that cannot be justified. The Council will tackle inequality, treat all people with dignity and respect and continue to work to improve services for all service users.

The legal framework for the Council’s approach is provided by the Equality Act 2010 and specifically by the Public Sector Equality Duty, under which a public authority must work consciously to eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between people with differing characteristics. 

Further detail on the Duty, and the Council’s approach to fulfilling its requirements, can be found at www.rbkc.gov.uk.  We have considered equalities issues when developing this policy, by carrying out an Equality Impact Assessment.

Compliance, Monitoring & Review

The overall responsibility for the approval of this policy sits with the Housing Management Directorate.

The Head of Resident Safety & Repairs, Head of Neighbourhood Management, Head of Health, Safety & Resilience and the Head of Fire Safety will be responsible for reviewing this policy. 
 This policy will be reviewed every 5 years, or when legislative or regulatory changes take place that could affect it.

The next review will take place by: October 2031