Guidance on common changes
CCTV
- speak to your Housing Maintenance Officer before installing CCTV
- follow the law and guidance from the Information Commissioner’s Office
- CCTV must follow legislation and Police Scotland advice
Sheds and garages
- sheds must be no larger than 8ft x 6ft
- leave at least 500mm of space around the shed for access
- do not block daylight to neighbours
- use approved materials and maintain them properly
- speak to us if you need a shed for a mobility scooter or powered chair
- get written consent for pavement crossings or dropped kerbs
- do not use sheds or garages for business or commercial vehicles unless we give written permission
- any electric supply must be installed by a qualified electrician and include a safety certificate
Gas appliances
- you must not install or use gas cookers or fires unless fitted by Highland Council
- you must not use paraffin or LPG heaters or cookers
Laminate flooring
- you lay laminate flooring at your own risk
- if we need to lift it for repairs, you must pay to have it re-laid
- not recommended for residential flats due to noise disturbing neighbours
Wood-burning stoves, open fires and other solid-fuel appliances
We do not normally allow wood-burning stoves, multi-fuel stoves, open fires or other solid-fuel appliances in Council homes. We will only consider a modern, efficient stove in exceptional circumstances. There is no guarantee we will approve your request. Open fires will not be approved.
You must get written permission before installing, replacing, reopening or altering any stove, fireplace, chimney, flue or solid-fuel appliance.
If you apply, you must give us a
- chimney report
- full details of the work
- installer details
- certificates
- guarantees
- carbon monoxide alarm details
- ventilation information
- safe fuel storage details
If permission is given, you must:
- service the appliance every year
- sweep the chimney or flue when needed
- keep evidence and show us proof when asked
If you install or use an appliance without permission, we may:
- remove it
- repair any damage
- recharge you for the cost
- take tenancy action
Other alterations
- outdoor taps must not affect plumbing and must be isolated in winter
- satellite dishes must be installed by a qualified person using correct fixings
- electric charging equipment must meet safety standards and be installed by a qualified person
- minor electrical works must have a Minor Works Certificate (BS7671)
- if your home has external insulation, use longer bolts and fill any holes after removal