Council Tenants - Permissions
As a secure Moray Council tenant, you have the right under housing law to make certain improvements and alterations to your home. You must apply for our permission before starting any work. We will reply to your application in writing within 28 days. You must not begin work until you have received our written permission.
What are improvements and alterations?
Improvements and alterations are any changes you make to your home and garden over and above internal decoration.
Examples of changes that need our permission are, but not limited to:
- Kitchen or bathroom alterations
- Installing a satellite dish, tv ariels, etc.
- Flooring (excluding carpets)
- Electrical, plumbing or heating work
- Structural work, fixtures and/or fittings to the property
- Putting up a structure of any kind in the garden such as a garage, shed, porch, conservatory, greenhouse, cold frame, fence, wall, gate, patio, decking, aviary, pigeon loft, fishpond, pool, etc.
- Building a parking space, driveway or other hard standing
- Keeping a caravan in the garden
- Running a business from home
Will I need formal planning or building control consent?
You will need to check if the work you want to carry out needs any formal planning permission or building warrant before you make your permission application to Housing. You can do this by:
- visiting the relevant Moray Council Planning web page - www.moray.gov.uk/doineedplanningpermission
- visiting the relevant Moray Council Building control webpage - www.moray.gov.uk/buildingwarrantexemptions
- emailing development.control@moray.gov.uk or buildingstandards@moray.gov.uk;
- contacting the duty Planning or Building Standards Officer on 0300 1234561 Monday – Friday 2-4pm for free general advice and guidance.
What happens if I carry out the work without permission?
If you carry our alterations or improvements without our permission, or are in breach of any planning or building control regulation:
- you may be asked to put the property back to its original condition and you will be responsible for the work and all associated costs; or
- we may have to carry out work to reinstate, and/or rectify any damage that has been caused and re-charge you for all associated costs.
We will not refuse permission unless there is a good reason. Where we do you can appeal and you will be given instructions on how to do this on your decision letter.
When your tenancy comes to an end you may be entitled to compensation for improvements you have carried out to your property. Please see our Right to Compensation for Improvements leaflet.
What do I need to do?
Step 1 Make an online application using the blue button below.
Step 2 Please wait for our written decision. We will respond as quickly as possible but may need to visit your home before we can make a final decision. We will approve or refuse the application within 28 days. If approved we may attach specific conditions that must be met.
Step 3 Tell us when the work is finished. We may need to check the work has been carried out to a satisfactory standard.