Guidelines for Home Alterations: Permission, Process, and Compliance
Why do you need permission?
We want to make sure any alterations:
- Are carried out by a qualified, competent, and insured operative.
- Are safe and meet Building Regulation requirements.
What if I do not get permission?
If you make changes without permission, you might need to return your home to its original state. Charges may be incurred if alterations have been made without permission and require remedial work by the council.
How to get permission
There are several ways to contact us about any alterations you would like to make.
- Fill out a request form using your housing online account
- Contact your Area Housing Officer via email councilhomes@rotherham.gov.uk, or
- Call the Contact Centre (01709) 336009 to request a form.
A Tenant Alteration Application Form and Checklist that will be sent to you via email or in the post. Please complete the form and return it to us along with any other documents required to support your request. These are outlined in the guidance notes. Once complete, please return these to the Council using the full postal address below or via email:
Riverside House, Main Street, Rotherham, S60 1AE
This form is an application only and acts as the first stage of applying to make alterations to your home. Do not undertake any work until you have received written permission from the Council approving your request.
Your request will not be considered until all documents have been received. Your application will not normally be considered if you have an introductory tenancy, rent arrears or if you have outstanding notices, or court orders, on your tenancy.
Please note that your request will be dealt with by the relevant officer within the Council, this could be your Area Housing Officer or a Housing Asset Surveyor depending on the type of alteration you have requested.
Approval
We will review your application and check that all the relevant documents have been received. If a visit is required, an appointment will be arranged for an appropriate Officer to visit and discuss the proposed alterations. To be able to give conditional permission we need to have all the documents and information requested which include, but are not limited to, the contractors details, and proof of Public Liability Insurance.
Refusal
If we cannot approve your request, we will explain why via letter or email.
Unsatisfactory work
If the work is not done properly, we will advise you on what needs fixing so you can arrange for this to be done, before we visit again to reinspect. If issues persist, enforcement action may be taken by the Council.