Improvements, alterations, adaptations, and maintenance

Home improvements

You might want to make your council property more of a home and we are happy for you to make minor changes without our permission like decorating, changing carpets or putting up shelves.

For anything else, you'll need to let us know what you want to do and receive written permission before you begin, otherwise you will be liable for the costs of reinstatement.

Alterations

If you want to make alterations to your council home, you need to get permission from the Council first. Here’s how to proceed:

Steps to Apply for Permission

  1. Complete the Online Form: Fill out the tenants alterations online form with full details of your proposed changes.
  2. Review Process: Your request will be reviewed as soon as possible, but please allow up to 20 working days for a response.

Approval Criteria

  • Minor Alterations: Permission is usually granted if the request is reasonable and the work will be done to a good standard.
  • Major Alterations: Requests for major and intrusive alterations will not be considered.

Electric vehicle charging points

In line with our recent review of Electric Vehicle Charging Options for Tenants it’s important to know that MKCC currently does not approve requests to install electric vehicle (EV) charging points at council homes. This decision is based on prioritising resources to ensure homes are safe and affordable to heat.

Read more about electric vehicle charging options for tenants.

Equipment and adaptations

If you need to make alterations to help someone who is disabled, you might be eligible for equipment and adaptations from the Council. 

Cyclical maintenance

It's crucial to allow access for cyclical repairs and inspections, such as gas safety and electrical installation checks, to ensure your safety and wellbeing. Here are some key points:

Inspections and Repairs

  • Importance of Access: Allowing access for inspections and repairs is essential. Failure to do so may result in legal proceedings to gain entry.
  • Safety Equipment: Keep all equipment, including smoke alarms, in clean and working order. Report any damaged or unreliable council equipment for repair.

Ensuring these measures are followed helps maintain a safe living environment.

Find out more

Gas safety inspection

Statutory gas safety checks are essential for ensuring the safety of council-fitted appliances like boilers and fires. These checks are conducted annually by Mears' Gas Safe registered engineers.

It's important to allow access for these inspections to ensure everything is in safe working order. If you have any concerns or need to schedule a check, don't hesitate to contact Mears.

Smoke and carbon monoxide inspections

The maintenance of smoke and heat detectors, as well as carbon monoxide alarms, is crucial for safety. These checks are part of the annual gas safety inspection carried out by Mears' Gas Safe registered engineers.

Ensuring these devices are in good working order helps keep your home safe. If you have any concerns or need to report an issue with any of these alarms, don't hesitate to contact Mears.

Electrical safety inspection

The five-year inspection of your property's electrics is an important safety measure. These inspections are carried out by Mears' NICIEC registered engineers to ensure that all electrical installations are safe and up to standard.

If you have any concerns or need to schedule an inspection, don't hesitate to contact Mears.

Lifts and stairlifts

Ensuring that all lifts and stairlifts are serviced and maintained according to legislative requirements is crucial for safety and reliability.

If you have any specific concerns or need to report an issue with a lift or stairlift, don't hesitate to contact Mears.

Planned maintenance

We are committed to improve the quality of Council owned housing in Milton Keynes through our planned maintenance investment programme and will ensure that your home meets Decent Homes Requirements.

Your home will be:

  • Fit for Human Habitation: Safe, healthy, and free from serious harm.
  • In a Reasonable State of Repair.
  • Equipped with Modern Facilities and Services.
  • Comfortable: Not too hot or too cold.

Planned Maintenance Programme

  • Major Repairs and Improvements: Includes replacing kitchens, bathrooms, doors, windows, and boiler and heating systems.
  • Dedicated Team: Mears works with the council to deliver these improvements.
  • Notification and Survey: You will be contacted when a planned improvement is due, followed by a survey to assess the need for replacement based on current condition.

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