Do I Need Permission?

You must not make any alterations (apart from decorating) without written permission.  This is for your safety.  We will want to make sure that any proposed changes do not affect the structure of your home or put you at risk.  Any work you undertake after getting permission should be done by a suitably qualified person.  If you do work without permission, we may require you to restore the previous condition of your home.  We will not be responsible for repairing or replacing any items you have changed, with or without permission.

If you want to put an outdoor chair, planter or mini greenhouse near your home, you need permission.  This is because we must check that it does not block access, restrict an emergency exit route or contribute to a fire risk.

You have the right to have a lodger, provided that you would not be overcrowded.  We will usually give you permission to have a lodger, but we need to know who is living at each of our homes, and we will advise you about any effect that taking a lodger would have if you claim benefits.

We usually allow tenants to have pets, as long as the number and type of the pet(s) are suitable for the property, that any pets are well cared for, and they do not cause nuisance to neighbours or pose a risk to anyone. For example, we would not allow several large dogs in a small upstairs flat.  You are responsible for the behaviour of your pet(s) and must ensure that you pick up your dog’s poo.  All dogs must be on leads unless they are in your home or your private enclosed garden.

You need permission for a shed because we need to make sure that it is placed safely.  Sadly, we regularly have examples of fires in sheds, some of which have spread to people’s homes and caused serious damage.  

If you want to put up or alter a fence, which is your responsibility (for example, a fence bordering your next door neighbour), you must have permission.  There are often height restrictions for fences, and in some new developments, residents are not permitted to change the fencing.

You usually have the right to exchange or assign your home (there are some exceptions), but you must have written permission before doing this.  If you do not, the exchange or assignment will be invalid, and you will be required to undo it.

We recognise that mobility scooters play an important part in maintaining independence for disabled residents.  However, most of our properties are not designed for large numbers of mobility scooters, and it is important to ensure they can be stored and charged safely.  We will work with residents to find a suitable solution.

You are not allowed to ride these on Teign Housing land or on any public roads or land.  You are only allowed to use them on private land with the landowner’s permission.  You need permission to have one because we need to check that you have safe storage for them.  Please be aware that if e-scooters are modified, or if you use a different charger from the one provided by the manufacturer, they are a high fire risk.

In most of our estates there are parking pressures, with more cars than spaces.  Taking up more of the available parking with vans and campers makes this much worse.  Unless you have our permission to park any vans where you live, you must find alternative public parking.    

You can install video doorbells or CCTV, provided that the cameras only record on your own property and do not cover your neighbours’ homes or gardens.  If you have your own CCTV cameras, you need to put up a notice warning visitors about it and make sure you comply with the Information Commissioner’s Office requirements.  Their advice and guidance can be found here.