Orbit South

Compensation will not normally be payable where the tenancy is ended through a possession action taken through the County Court

• Housing Act 1985 (secure tenants) 
• The revised Tenants Guarantee for assured tenants (effective 1 January 1995) 
• Housing Corporation Circular 33/94

• We cannot increase the rent as a result of the improvement while you are the tenant 
• The rent can be increased for any subsequent tenant, this will include succession tenancies 
• After your tenancy has been terminated any fixtures and fittings left behind will become our property

• Complete kitchen replacement including sink and work surfaces for preparing food  
• Erecting a satellite dish. (This applies to houses and bungalows only, all flats/maisonettes and some bungalows will share a communal aerial/satellite dish.)
• Changing the provision of services to your home, e.g. installing a gas supply 
• Erecting a garden shed or greenhouse
• Bathroom and sanitary improvements, bath, shower, wash hand basin toilet 
• Central heating, hot water boilers and other types of heating; thermostatic radiator valves, pipes, water tank or cylinder insulation 
• Draught-proofing of external doors or windows 
• Loft and cavity wall installation 
• Double-glazing, window replacement or secondary glazing  
• Rewiring, additional power and lighting or other electrical fittings. New regulations require all electrical work to be carried out by a qualified electrician. 
• Any work which improves the security of the property, (not burglar alarms) 

Alter the fabric or structure of the building(s). In some cases this may include garages

Remove or erect walls or outbuildings

 Change the layout of the building, for example changing a garage into a living space or removing dividing walls to make one room. However, we may consider permission for a temporary partition of a large bedroom i.e. making one bedroom into two but each room would need to have adequate heating, ventilation and lighting.

 It will not make the property unsafe

The works are not too costly and unduly expensive to maintain

It will not make the property difficult to let or be unsuitable for future occupants

It will not reduce the value of the property

It is in keeping with the property layout

It is in keeping with the aesthetics of the estate/scheme

There are no building or planning restrictions

There are no estate/development restrictions

Plans and material types maybe required

Building and planning permission certificates will be required in certain circumstances

Contractors must be from an approved list

We will require insurance certificates for public liability from all contractors 

We will inspect the work once it has been completed

• In order to qualify for compensation, you must follow the correct application procedures before starting works. For further details please contact your local housing office.
• You must have our written consent
• The amount of compensation is calculated and paid out when you leave the  property
• The compensation paid will not be the same amount you spent to have the work done as it will take into account wear and tear and depreciation. 
• If you owe us any money (for example rent arrears) this will be deducted from any compensation payable 
• Where the tenancy is terminated following a breach of a tenant’s obligations compensation will not normally be paid
   

 Submitted an application for consideration

 Obtained 3 estimates from contractors and submit these to us for consideration

 Told us which estimate you have chosen, and why

    Received written consent from us agreeing the estimate and giving permission for the work to start

• Is payable for the cost of materials and labour (but not goods such as cookers or refrigerators or your own labour) 
• Is only payable when you give up your tenancy and leave the property in an acceptable state of repair 
• Can only be considered for improvements started on or after April 1995 
• Is not payable if you have received a minor works grant or a grant through the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme 
• Is not payable if you have received the service free through an agency or charity who have been supported by a grant

• We will require you to provide us with a copy of the invoice showing  how much your improvement work has cost and a receipt showing you have paid  ~
• The maximum payable is £3,000 and the minimum £50. Compensation will only be paid at the end of the tenancy and may be set against any sums that you may owe us
•  The formula for calculating compensation will follow the guidance laid down in Statutory Instrument 613/94 and the value depreciated in line with the estimated life of the improvement 
• Compensation will not normally be payable where the tenancy is ended through a possession action taken through the County Court
  

• Windows and heating systems,  
• Upgrading kitchens and bathrooms 
• Rewiring 
• Roofing

• Aim to find you alternative accommodation on a like for like basis but this  may not always be possible. In these circumstances we will offer you accommodation which is suitable to your needs and family size

• Pay for removals, disconnection and reconnection charges and in some case a disturbance payment
• If you are unable to return to your home once works are completed, you may be entitled to a Home Loss Payment. Your local housing team will provide full details should this situation apply

• We consider all options for housing when we have identified major works to be carried out 
• Each case will be considered based on the individual circumstance but we would expect you to return to your home once all works have been completed 
• Your local housing office will be able to provide further details.