Alterations to the Outside of Your Home

Your home's exterior matters just as much as the inside, and we want you to be able to make small changes that suit your life, like adding an EV charger or putting up seasonal lights. Some alterations just need a form filled out with a few details first, including accessibility adaptations. Take a couple of minutes to read our policy below and fill in the relevant form where needed. 

What you can generally do 

The following are generally permitted, provided they're installed safely and don't damage the property: 

• Install a wireless battery-powered doorbell that doesn't require permanent alterations
• Display seasonal decorations for a limited period, making sure they're securely fitted, don't cause damage, and are removed promptly afterwards
• Install an electric vehicle (EV) charger, subject to our prior written approval and installation by a suitably qualified and reputable contractor (see the form below). The charger must be located within close proximity to the properties parking location. Cable must not run across or obstruct a public highway or neighbouring properties.
• Place potted plants and freestanding planters around the property, provided they don't obstruct access or create a safety hazard
• Install accessibility adaptations, such as grab handles & attachments, external ramps or platform lifts, subject to our approval and installation by a suitably qualified and reputable contractor, in line with all relevant legislation and building standards (see the form below)
• Have your front door painted by our approved contractor. This will be chargeable and made payable to Four Corners, POA. You can choose from one of our three approved Dulux colours: Rosemary Leaf, Sapphire Salute, or Rich Black.

What we can't allow 

• Replacing, removing or altering the structure or design of external doors and windows
• Electrical or plumbing alterations to the exterior of the property
• Constructing outbuildings, extensions, sheds fixed to the property, or making structural alterations or additions
• Changing the external colour or finish of the property, including brickwork, render, doors or other external surfaces
• Installing satellite dishes, television aerials or similar communication equipment
• Making alterations that could affect the structure, weatherproofing, security or appearance of the property 

What we ask of you 

• Make sure any permitted fixtures are installed and maintained safely
• Prevent damage to the property during installation, use and removal
• Get any necessary permission before work begins
• Use appropriately qualified contractors where professional installation is required
• Remove temporary fixtures and decorations when they're no longer needed
• Restore any minor damage caused by permitted installations, where appropriate 

Getting approval 

Where our approval is required, please submit the relevant form before any work begins. We may attach conditions to our approval, to make sure the work is completed safely and to a good standard. 

At the end of your tenancy 

Unless we've agreed otherwise in writing, you may be asked to remove any approved fixtures and restore the property to its original condition when your tenancy ends, unless we agree for the alteration to remain. EV chargers are the exception to this, see the EV charger form below. 

If something's not right 

Unauthorised external alterations may be a breach of your tenancy agreement. We may ask you to remove the alteration, reinstate the property to its previous condition, and meet the reasonable cost of any necessary repairs. 

EV Charger Installation Request 

Thinking about installing an EV charger? Great, let us know the details below and we'll get it approved. We just ask that the work is carried out by a reliable, suitably qualified installer.   

Once the work's complete, please send us copies of the relevant paperwork (for example, electrical certification or compliance documents) so we can keep our records up to date. And the good news, you won't need to remove your charger or restore the property when you leave, it can stay in place. 

We'll be in touch around two weeks after your proposed installation date to check everything's gone to plan and to collect your paperwork. 

Accessibility Adaptation Request 

If you need to make an accessibility adaptation, such as a ramp or platform lift, let us know the details below. All work must be carried out by a professional, reputable company.   

Please send us the relevant paperwork once the work is complete. We'll follow up around two weeks after your proposed installation date to check in and confirm everything's been carried out as planned.