Making changes to the inside of your home

If you rent with us, you might be wondering whether you can make changes to the inside of your home, like redecorating or laying flooring. Read on to learn more.

If you have a question that isn’t covered on this page, please get in touch.

Jump to:

• Can I install cavity or loft insulation?
• Can I change my gas or electric meter/provider?
• Can I redecorate and put up shelving/pictures?
• Can I lay my own flooring?
• Can I replace internal doors?
• Can I undertake a large renovation project (e.g. new kitchen, bathroom, decking)?
• Can I install a log or wood burner?
  
  

Can I install cavity or loft insulation?

Not at the moment. We are currently negotiating a master Energy Savings Performance Agreement with Anesco Energy Services, which would potentially enable us to add any suitable scheme from our portfolio for an all-inclusive consideration of energy saving solutions.

By packaging up combinations of measures, this can release additional funding and subsidise our planned maintenance programme. For example, cavity insulation may be a qualifying criteria to receive money towards gas boiler upgrades or renewable heating systems.

We are currently analysing our stock to ensure we target those that are most in need first. Secondly we want to ensure the quality and consistency of new installations. Last, but by no means least, we are striving to obtain the best value in improving the energy efficiency of your home.

Can I change my gas and electric meter/provider?

Yes – you don't need our permission to do this. All changes are between you and the utility company so you will need to contact them directly.

You can find out who your gas supplier is on Find My Supplier.

You can find out who your electricity supplier is by contacting your network operator.

Can I redecorate my property or put up shelving/pictures?

Yes – it’s fine to paint or wallpaper your property, as long as the colours you choose can be easily painted over by future residents. Please avoid very dark or very bright colours.

If the property is less than 12 months old, you must only use emulsion and should not wallpaper or use gloss paint until after the final defect check. Otherwise cracks may form in the plaster.

It's also fine to fit pictures and shelving. This is your home and we want it to feel that way. However, you will need to remove them at the end of your tenancy and any fill in any holes in the wall.

Please be considerate when carrying out DIY, ensuring that any drilling and hammering is carried out at a reasonable time of day (our anti-social behaviour team advise between 8am and 9pm).

Can I lay my own flooring?

Yes, you can lay flooring in your kitchen and bathroom as long as it is to at least the standard that was fitted by Stonewater.

We also recommend that you choose non-slip flooring, particularly in bathrooms. In the rest of your home, you can lay carpet, laminate or lino.

Please note that is then your responsibility to maintain and repair any flooring you have fitted.

Can I replace internal doors?

You can replace internal doors, but there are a few things you need to be aware of first:

• Fire doors – if there are any fire doors within your property then any replacement needs to be of the same standard
• Any glazed doors must be made of safety glass
• If you remove an internal door, you need to keep it – as we may need to reinstall it if you move out. If you do not keep the original door, and the replacement does not meet the required standard, then you will be charged for this cost.
  
  

Can I undertake a large home improvement (e.g. new kitchen, new bathroom, decking)?

You will need to discuss large-scale renovation projects with a Stonewater surveyor first. Please contact us to have a proper discussion about your plans and to seek our permission.

Can I install a log or wood burner? 

At Stonewater, it is our policy to decline all requests for wood burners and log burners.

This decision is based on the significant risks they pose, such as the potential for deadly carbon monoxide emissions, particularly if they are poorly installed, inadequately maintained, or used incorrectly. Additionally, these appliances contribute to environmental harm.

Please note that that if we discover any unauthorised wood burners or gas fires in our homes, we will require their removal.

We are dedicated to enhancing the energy efficiency and environmental sustainability of our properties. That’s why we provide appropriate heating systems and ensure they are regularly inspected and maintained. If you’re experiencing any issues with your heating system, don’t hesitate to contact us.