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Alterations

As a lessee, you may want to carry out alterations and improvements to your home, and we are keen to let you do this.  However, you must get our written permission before you go ahead. This is a requirement of your lease. We will give approval wherever possible, but when it is not possible we will let you know the reasons why.

Information on works that require our approval can be found in chapter 11 of the Lessee handbook.

The following is a list of works that do not require landlord's approval:

• The installation of a satellite dish - this requires approval from your estate office and the planning department
• Fitting wooden floors - however you are required by law to also lay down sound insulation
• Replacing kitchen and bathroom units - as long as it does not include gas and electrical works or work to the drainage.

 

What will happen if I don't apply for permission?

If you carry out any alterations or improvements without first getting our permission you will be breaking the terms of your lease. We could then take legal proceedings against you to stop any further works or to make you reinstate any unacceptable alterations.

This could prove extremely costly for you as you would have to pay not only our legal costs but also the additional cost of any reinstatement works.

Making an application

To go ahead with your proposals you will need to complete and return the following:

• Alterations application form

Once your completed application form has been received, we will give you information about how the application will be processed and details of any conditions that will apply to the approval.

You will have to pay for the cost of processing your application. We will give an estimate of the cost of doing this; there is an initial fee of £140.

We will also advice you if you need to get building regulations or planning permission, or approval from regulatory bodies NICEIC (for electrical work).

In some circumstances, other residents in the block or building will be consulted about your proposals.

Please also note that CityWest Homes acts (with regard to this application) on behalf of the City of Westminster in its capacity as Landlord and not in its capacity as a Planning Authority or any other capacity. You may need to obtain separate consents if such apply.

What is the procedure if Westminster City Council isn't the freeholder of my block?

If Westminster City Council is not the freehold owner of your property then a separate application will have to be made to the freeholder to obtain their approval for the proposed works. We will submit all applications to the freeholder on your behalf.

You will need to contact us directly to discuss what requirements and additional fees may be required as they can vary depending on who the freeholder is - our contact details are listed below.

Where can I get advice?

If you are unsure about when you need to approach CityWest Homes for landlord's consent, then contact us by calling 020 7245 2106 or by e-mailing us at lesseefrontline@cwh.org.uk

Boiler scrappage scheme
 

The Energy Saving Trust has introduced a boiler scrappage scheme that could benefit you.

If you are thinking of replacing your boiler/central heating, it is a condition of your lease that you must obtain formal approval for this before the works take place.