A. By us
10.1 We carry out improvements for the long-term benefit of our properties. We will discuss this with you as and when the situation arises. We may insist that improvements are carried out, for example, when they are part of a phased programme of works for the overall benefit of the neighbourhood. You must allow us access to your home to do works.
B. By you
10.2 You must get our written permission before you carry out any improvements or alterations to your home. This applies if you plan to change, for example, standard fittings or floor surfaces, as well as to more major works. We will consider safety, the impact on neighbours and future maintenance. You may need other permission too, for example planning or building regulation consents. We will discuss this with you at the time. For more information go to www.norwich.gov.uk/HomeImprovements
10.3 Remember that your home includes any garden area (see paragraph 1.8). You must get our written permission before you cut down trees, carry out other major landscaping or garden works or install sheds, other buildings, or structures.
10.4 Before making any changes to the boundaries of your home (particularly the garden area, see paragraph 1.8) you must get our written permission. Sometimes the precise boundaries of garden areas are not clear. It may be necessary for us to check our records for the housing estate to clarify where the boundary lies and who is responsible for it. If we have to intervene and carry out work in default due to any unauthorised alterations then you will be charged for the cost of the work, including any legal costs.
10.5 You may be entitled to compensation at the end of your tenancy for improvements you have carried out (see paragraph 16.4).
11.5 The timetable for carrying out repairs depends on all the circumstances. The more it affects your health, wellbeing and enjoyment of your home, the sooner we will do it. On the other hand, external repairs will often await the next planned programme of maintenance in the neighbourhood. We will discuss this with you at the time.
11.6 Before starting major works, we will discuss with you the timetable for the works and how to minimise inconvenience.
11.7 If we need you to leave your home while we do the improvement works, we will tell you. You must then leave your home for the period concerned. In such cases we will discuss arrangements for alternative temporary accommodation.
11.8 We must remove all associated rubbish, building materials and equipment from your home on completion of works carried out by us.
11.9 Under the right to repair scheme, if we fail to carry out certain works on time, you can ask us to employ an alternative contractor. Details are available on request.
11.10 Paragraph 14.16 explains your obligations to give access to your home in the period leading up to the end of the tenancy.
11.11 If you fail to provide access and we have to force entry, with or without a court order, then we will seek to recover any additional costs (including professional, trade or legal) from you.
