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 are but not limited to:

• Installing satellite dish
• Installing new windows
• Replacing boiler and central heating system
• Changing the existing internal layout
• Sub Letting your property

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 Housing officer 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.

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 and associated fees but also the additional cost of any reinstatement works.

To go ahead with your proposals you will need to complete an alterations application form which can be obtained from the Leasehold Management Team on 0207 346 6552.
Once you have completed this form please return it, together with the administration fee of £42.00 inc VAT and the pre-works inspection fee of £180.00 inc VAT and the relevant documents. 
Once your completed application form has been received, your details will be passed on to the Asset Management Surveyor who will make an appointment with you to carry out a pre inspection. During this inspection the Surveyor will advise you if you need to get building regulations or planning permission, or approval from regulatory bodies NICEIC (for electrical work).  It may also be necessary in some circumstances, to consult other residents in the block or building on your proposals.
The surveyor will provide Leasehold Management with a report either granting permission for the work to proceed or giving reason(s) why the works(s) cannot be authorised.
If permission is granted a specific timescale will be agreed and on completion of these works you will be required to contact Leasehold Management to arrange a post-inspection.  This cost of the post – inspection is £300.00 incl VAT.
The surveyor will advise Leasehold Management if the works have been completed to a satisfactory standard and if so the Consent to Alter will be sent.

If The Hyde Group 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.

If you are unsure about when you need to approach The Hyde Group for landlord's consent, and then contact us by calling 020 7346 6552 or by e-mailing us at leaseholdmanagementenquiries@hyde-housing.co.uk

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.