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Making changes to the outside of your home

You may need our permission to make changes to the outside of your home. Find out more.

This information applies to customers who rent, leaseholders, and Shared Owners. 

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Can I put up a fence?

Yes, you can put up a rear fence – as long as you follow these criteria:

  • The fence must be in keeping with the property/estate
  • The fence must be installed on your side of the boundary
  • The fence must be no higher than 6ft
  • You are aware that you are responsible for all future repairs/replacements
  • You have checked that there are no planning restrictions in place - visit Planning Portal to check, or speak to your local planning office.

Please note that if these criteria are not met, we may ask you to remove the fence.

Please contact us if you would like to put a fence in front of your property.

Can I put up a shed or greenhouse?

Yes - you may put up a shed or greenhouse in your own back garden, as long as you follow these criteria:

  • It is no bigger than 8x6 ft
  • You accept responsibility for the upkeep of the shed/greenhouse
  • It does not lean against a neighbour’s fence or property
  • You are aware that you may have to remove this at the end of your tenancy.

Please note that if these criteria are not met, we may ask you to remove the shed or greenhouse.

If there is already a shed or greenhouse in your garden and you would like to remove it or install another, please get in touch. 

Can I put a water butt in my garden?

If you share communal garden space with others, please do not install a water butt unless in exceptional circumstances as agreed with Stonewater.

If you have a private garden, you can install a new water butt in your rear garden as long as your property is outside of the defects period.

If your home is still within the defects period, please contact us to discuss your request.

Please do not install a water butt in your front garden.

If you install a new water butt, you will be responsible for maintaining and repairing it.

Can I install an outside tap?

You can fit an outside tap to your own property. You must make sure that the tap is fitted by a qualified and reputable tradesperson.

You are responsible for the upkeep of the tap and any repairs and maintenance needed to keep it working safely.

You cannot arrange to install an outside tap in a communal area or part of a shared property. This is because of maintenance and health and safety implications.

Can I install a cat flap?

This depends on your property.

For example, if your home has a door that opens directly onto the outdoors (e.g. a garden or street), then you can install a cat flap as long as it meets certain criteria.

We currently don’t give permission for our customers to fit a cat flap in doors which lead to communal indoor areas.

For more information and criteria for cat flaps depending on your property and tenancy type, log in to MyHome (then go to 'My Requests').

Can I install a key safe outside my home?

Yes - as long as you do not drill into brickwork if your home is within the defects period.

Can I install and charge an electric vehicle on my driveway?

Please see our Electric Vehicle Charging Policy for information on installing chargers on private driveway.

Please note - if you are a leaseholder or Shared Owner, there is an admin charge should EV charger installation be approved.

We cannot give permission for a charger to be installed on public roads and shared car parks, because they are not owned by Stonewater. Instead you will need to talk to your local authority.

Websites like Zap-Map can help you to find public EV chargers near you.



Got a question about permissions?

For more information on permissions for your property and tenancy type, log in to MyHome (then go to 'My Requests').

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