What you can and can't do
We understand that to make your home meet your needs, you might like to make some homely alterations. When it comes to making changes in your home, there are a few things you need to know. Below you will find information on what you can and can't do in your home. If you have any doubts, please contact us using the form below.
Minor landscaping of your garden
Installing an outside tap (This needs to have a non-return valve fitted as standard, so it doesn't contaminate the water supply in the property - for houses only)
Replacing fence panels
Replacing the glass in a window
Small sheds (10ft x 8ft or smaller)
Picture hanging and installing shelves (Please be aware of any pipes and electric cables in the wall, any damage is chargeable and is the responsibility of the customer)
Laying floor coverings such as carpet or laminate (Any need to lift/relay flooring in conjunction with future repair work will be your responsibility)
Redecorating your home (It is essential you refer to information relating to Asbestos Safety before starting any decoration work)
If your property is a flat / apartment you will not be allowed to make any changes to the outside external areas
If you live in a new build home, you will not be given permission to make any alterations to the property until the defects period has ended (this is normally 12 months after you move in)
Installing a wood burning or solid fuel fire
Replacing the existing boiler, or making any alterations to the heating system
Carry out changes to the electrical installation for lighting or power (such as adding or removing extra power sockets or lighting fittings)
If the proposed alterations to your home will affect the structure of the property, or its appearance, you must first obtain written permission from Magenta Living and potentially separate consent from your Local Authority’s Planning Department to ensure all intended improvements comply with regulations. If the alteration changes the number of bedrooms in the property then this may impact on your rent.
You will need Magenta Living’s permission before carrying out the below works:
Extensions such as a full or partial extension, a conservatory, car port, garage, or a loft conversion
Boarding out loft space
Changing the existing internal layout, including removing a bedroom or changing the rooms use
Removing/moving walls or creating a new opening
Changing or renewing any part of a kitchen or bathroom
Changing or renewing windows, internal/external doors and patio/French doors
Any other major changes that affect the structure of the property or change its external appearance
Solar panels
Changing or moving fences/or boundaries, installing new gates or fencing
Changes to garden facilities such as installing decking or paving over grassed areas
Adding a garden shed (bigger than 10ft x 8ft)
Driveways or adding off-road parking Fitting any aerial or satellite dish
Installing any type of CCTV system
Applying render or external decoration that is not ‘in keeping’ with the surrounding properties
Who will I need permission from?
Magenta Living will need to give their written consent in a letter to you. If the property has been built in the last 5 years you may also need the developer’s permission if you want to carry out external alterations. For certain works you will need local authority planning and building regulation consents, and it is your responsibility to obtain these
What happens after the approved work is complete?
When your work is completed, you must let us know and allow us to carry out an inspection within a reasonable timescale after the works are finished. We will also need copies of any relevant certification. During the works, you are responsible for paying any repair costs that may arise, including any damage that affects a third party. If the completed alteration is different from the plans we agreed, you may be asked to change it so it matches the agreed specification, and this would be at your own cost.
For any alteration you make, you are responsible for its ongoing maintenance and for the cost of any future repairs. When your tenancy ends, any alterations can only remain if they were agreed with Magenta Living. If you are asked to reinstate original fittings or return alterations to their original condition and this is not done, the cost of any repair work required may be recharged to you.
What will happen if I do not ask for permission or if a declined request is progressed?
If you do not get permission before making changes, or proceed with changes despite a refusal, you may:
Put your tenancy at risk
Risk being charged with criminal damage
In line with Magenta Living’s Recharge Policy, you may be recharged accordingly for the costs required to return the property to its original condition
How do I submit a request for permission?
Please do not start work until you have our written permission. We may need to visit you before agreeing to your request. Complete the following form and we will acknowledge your request within five working days.
Email contact in the first instance is preferable, as it will allow us to communicate quickly with you rather than incurring delays with other communication channels
Can Magenta Living help with costs?
Magenta Living cannot make any contribution towards the costs of improvements, planning application or building control costs on tenanted, shared ownership or leasehold homes.
Administration Fee
An administration fee will be payable for considering your request. We will let you know how much this is when we receive your application and check the permissions needed. Each scenario may attract a differing fee, dependant on the complexity of the proposal.
