Alterations, Businesses and Pets
Tenancies Granted After 1st April 2017
You will not be allowed to undertake any alterations or keep any pets if you are on an
Assured Shorthold, Contractual, Licenced or Starter tenancy – exceptions may be
made where pets were known and agreed at the tenancy offer.
Any breach of these conditions may be treated as a breach of tenancy and you may
be given 28 days to remedy the issue.
Failure to do so will result in Yarlington taking appropriate action which could affect
the security of your tenancy.
It is the tenant’s responsibility to ensure that any Local Authority Planning or Building
Control consents are obtained as required.
Tenancies Granted Before 1st April 2017
You will not be allowed to undertake any alterations or keep any pets if you are on an
Assured Shorthold, Contractual, Licenced or Starter tenancy – exceptions may have
been made where pets were known and agreed at the tenancy offer.
Your tenancy agreement may allow you to apply for permission to make some
additional alterations (not detailed here - please check your tenancy agreement) but
in these cases you will need to contact Yarlington for permission.
Any breach of these conditions may be treated as a breach of tenancy and you may
be given 28 days to remedy the issue.
Failure to do so will result in Yarlington taking appropriate action which could affect
the security of your tenancy.
It is the tenant’s responsibility to ensure that any Local Authority Planning or Building
Control consents are obtained as required.
Shared Ownership Properties
Your rights will be defined in your individual lease and you must check this prior to
undertaking any works.
Yarlington Housing Group, Lupin Way, Yeovil, Somerset BA22 8WN
t.01935 404500 f.01935 404505 [email protected] www.yhg.co.uk
Registered in England No: 3488535
Registered Address: Yarlington Housing Group, Lupin Way, Yeovil, Somerset BA22 8WN
Animals and Pets
Dogs and Cats

You may keep up to two domestic pets if you live in a house or a flat which
can be accessed direct from the outside.
You cannot keep a dog or cat if you live in a flat where you access your
property through an internal communal area.
Poultry/Birds

You may also keep up to 6 chickens/fowl – but no cockerels- if both the
property location and the garden is suitable and they must be adequately
housed.
Other Small Pets

You may keep other small household pets which normally live in a
cage/aquarium or vivarium.
Exotics

You may keep non-poisonous insects and spiders and non-poisonous snakes
and reptiles under two feet in length (fully grown) which must be in appropriate
containers.
Standard Conditions

You will not be allowed to keep any animals which are unsuitable for your
property.

You will not be allowed to breed from your pets as a business.

You are responsible for keeping any dogs within the curtilage of your property
ensuring that they do not roam over any shared access.

You will be responsible for the behaviour of your pets and should they cause
any nuisance, annoyance, danger or distress to anyone in the neighbourhood
this may be a breach of your tenancy agreement and appropriate action may
be taken which could affect the security of your tenancy.
I accept the conditions above
Bathrooms (including Electric Showers)
You cannot make any changes or alterations to any Yarlington bathroom fixtures and
fittings excepting
Showers
You may install an over bath electric shower subject to the following conditions:

All works must be undertaken by a qualified contractor.

Pipe work shall not be chased into walls.

Any damaged wall surfaces shall be made good

Existing tiling must be extended from the lip line of the bath to the full room
height

If tiling cannot be matched – tiles may be replaced with standard white tiles

All tiles must be fixed with waterproof adhesive and grouted in waterproof
grouting cement. The corners of the recess and top edge shall be sealed with
silicone sealant.

You must maintain the shower throughout your tenancy and may be required
to remove it at the end of your tenancy, and make good.

Failure to conform to the above conditions may be a breach of your tenancy
agreement and appropriate action may be taken which could affect the
security of your tenancy.

Recharges may apply at the termination of your tenancy, where Yarlington is
required to make good/remove any installation/alterations which are sub
standard.
.
I accept the conditions above
Business from Home
You may run a business from home where the property is suitable for the type of
business and subject to the following conditions:

You may not to fix or adjoin any signs / boarding’s to your property

You may not to use any advertising or public material which states your home
address

Your business shall not require that large numbers of customers need to visit
the property in person

You may keep small amounts of domestic machinery/materials used in
connection with the business in the property.

You must ensure that any Local Authority Planning or legal requirements are
obtained and available to Yarlington upon request and that you register your
business with council tax as required.

Your business must not cause any nuisance, annoyance, danger or distress to
anyone in the neighbourhood. Any such nuisance may be a breach of your
tenancy agreement and appropriate action may be taken which could affect
the security of your home.
I accept the conditions above
Caravan/Trailer/Boat
You may store a caravan trailer or boat at your property subject to the following
conditions:

Any caravan/trailer /boat must be parked on a suitable hard-standing area

Any caravan/trailer /boat must not block any external access doors

Any caravan must not be used as a permanent residence

Any caravan /trailer/boat must be maintained in good condition

Any caravan/trailer/boat must not cause any nuisance, annoyance, danger or
distress to anyone in the neighbourhood. Any such nuisance may be a breach
of your tenancy agreement and appropriate action may be taken which could
affect the security of your home.
I accept the conditions above
Carpentry
You can undertake minor carpentry installation at your property subject to the
following conditions:

You may put up shelves and these must be removed and holes filled and
painted at the end of your tenancy.

You may make minor carpentry alterations to internal doors – for fitting of
carpets or other flooring.

You cannot alter or remove kitchen units/fitted wardrobes or make any other
alteration to Yarlington fixtures and fittings.

Failure to conform to the above conditions may be a breach of your tenancy
agreement and appropriate action may be taken which could affect the
security of your tenancy.

Recharges may apply at the termination of your tenancy, where Yarlington is
required to make good/remove any installation/alterations which are sub
standard.
I accept the conditions above
CCTV
You may install CCTV subject to the following conditions:

Cameras must only film within the property boundary in line with guidance
from the Data Protection Act 1998.

Any electrical works must be installed by a qualified electrician and the
relevant certification made available to Yarlington upon request.

You may be required to remove any cameras and fittings and make good any
damage at the end of your tenancy.

Failure to conform to the above conditions may be a breach of your tenancy
agreement and appropriate action may be taken which could affect the
security of your tenancy.

Recharges may apply at the termination of your tenancy, where Yarlington is
required to make good/remove any installation/alterations which are sub
standard.
.
I accept the conditions above
Conservatory
You cannot erect a conservatory at a Yarlington property.
Decking
You cannot install decking at a Yarlington property.
Disabled Adaptions
Yarlington may, at their discretion, install minor adaptions e.g. grab rails for residents
with a disability and residents should contact Yarlington should they require a minor
installation.
Tenants who require a major adaption must be assessed by an occupational
therapist and should contact Social Services at their Local Authority.
Doors
You cannot alter or change any internal or external doors to a Yarlington property,
except for alterations for flooring or for installation of a cat flap.
Cat Flaps
You may install a cat flap to the back door of a Yarlington property subject to the
following conditions:

PVCU Door
You must get this fitted by a reputable PVCU Window and Door Company to
install a standard panel with a cat flap already fitted. You must first check with
Yarlington to ensure any existing guarantee for the door is not compromised.

Timber Door
The cat flap must be installed by a competent tradesperson.

The door shall be re-instated on termination of the tenancy and all costs
covered by you, unless the installed cat flap is required by the incoming tenant.
If you fail to do this, Yarlington will re-charge you for any reinstatement that is
required.

Failure to conform to the above conditions may be a breach of your tenancy
agreement and appropriate action may be taken which could affect the
security of your tenancy.

Recharges may apply at the termination of your tenancy, where Yarlington is
required to make good/remove any installation/alterations which are sub
standard.
.
I accept the conditions above
Electrics
You may make minor electric alterations subject to the following conditions:

You may install your own light fitments but these must be removed and a
pendant fitting be reinstated at the end of your tenancy

You may install external lighting but the position must not impact upon your
neighbours and should be discussed with them beforehand. You may be
required to remove these and make good any damage at the end of your
tenancy.

You may install additional sockets

All works must be installed by a qualified electrician and the relevant
certification made available to Yarlington upon request.

Failure to conform to the above conditions may be a breach of your tenancy
agreement and appropriate action may be taken which could affect the
security of your tenancy.

Recharges may apply at the termination of your tenancy, where Yarlington is
required to make good/remove any installation/alterations which are sub
standard.
Suppliers
 You may change your utility suppliers at any time.
I accept the conditions above
Extensions
You cannot build any extensions to a Yarlington property.
Fencing/Gates
We recommend that you always discuss any proposals with your neighbour prior to
installing/replacing any fencing or hedges.
Some properties may have a restrictive covenant preventing front gardens from being
fenced and may require planning permission – you should check with your Local
Authority.
You may install fencing or gates at your property subject to the following conditions:

Fencing should be erected along the existing boundary. If it is unclear where
the boundary lays, Yarlington can identify this for you upon request.

Fences (including any trellis), gates and hedges shall not exceed the following
heights (including any trellis):
1. Rear & rear sides 2 metres (6’6”)
2. Front & front sides 1 metres (3’3”)

If you want to install fencing that exceeds these heights you must obtain Local
Authority Planning permission and provide a copy to Yarlington.

The fencing/gates will be erected with suitable materials (e.g. chain link, close
board, palisade or overlap) consistent with the type of usage expected

Fence posts must be secured in the ground at a recommended minimum depth
of 450mm (1’6”) to provide sufficient stability to the fence line

You must not erect any fencing/gates across an access or right of way shared
with your neighbours.

Any works should not be constructed over, or so close as to interfere with the
examination of, any water main or service, sewer, drain, etc.

You will maintain throughout the term of your tenancy.

Failure to conform to the above conditions may be a breach of your tenancy
agreement and appropriate action may be taken which could affect the
security of your tenancy.

Recharges may apply at the termination of your tenancy, where Yarlington is
required to make good/remove any installation/alterations which are sub
standard.
I accept the conditions above
Fireplaces
You cannot open up blocked fireplaces to have an open fire at a Yarlington property.

If you want to replace or block up a fireplace please contact Yarlington.

You may replace a fire surround as long as all works are undertaken by
qualified contractor

Failure to conform to the above conditions may be a breach of your tenancy
agreement and appropriate action may be taken which could affect the
security of your tenancy.

Recharges may apply at the termination of your tenancy, where Yarlington is
required to make good/remove any installation/alterations which are sub
standard.
I accept the conditions above
Flooring
Laminate, Vinyl and Tiles

You may install laminate, vinyl or tile flooring on the ground floor of any house
or in ground floor flats (excluding kitchens and bathrooms which will be
provided by Yarlington as standard)

You may not install laminate, vinyl or tile flooring in flats above ground floor
due to the impact of noise transference upon your neighbours.
Carpets

You may install any carpets throughout the property.

All flooring must be removed at the end of your tenancy and any damage
made good

Failure to conform to the above conditions may be a breach of your tenancy
agreement and appropriate action may be taken which could affect the
security of your tenancy.

Recharges may apply at the termination of your tenancy, where Yarlington is
required to make remove any flooring unless we agree that it can remain ( in
exceptional circumstances).
.
I accept the conditions above
Garages/Car Ports
You cannot erect a garage or car port at a Yarlington property.
Gas
You may not install/or alter any gas supply to a Yarlington property where there is
none nor make any alterations or installations to any Yarlington fixtures or fittings
including installation of a gas fire.
Cookers

You may connect a gas cooker where a supply and fitments are already
provided and this must be connected by a Gassafe registered engineer and
installation document provided upon request.

Failure to conform to the above conditions may be a breach of your tenancy
agreement and appropriate action may be taken which could affect the
security of your tenancy.
Suppliers

You may change your supplier at any time.
I accept the conditions above
Kitchens
You cannot replace or change the layout of the kitchen in a Yarlington property.
Lofts

You cannot convert your loft into another room.

You cannot access a secure bat loft at any time but must allow access for
regular inspections by Yarlington representatives.
Parking/Hardstanding
You may install a parking area/hardstanding to a Yarlington property subject to the
following conditions:

You must obtain Local Authority Planning permission or Building Control
approval where required which must be provided to Yarlington upon request.

A dropped kerb must be installed and you will be required to obtain a licence
from Somerset County Highways, which must be provided to Yarlington upon
request.

The siting of the hard standing/driveway shall be behind the front line of the
building and give
1. Uninterrupted access to the building
2. No obstruction to windows of adjoining premises
3. Uninterrupted visibility of the highways and footpaths

Installations must be in accordance with the following specification but shall be
not less than:
Surface soil removed
Hardcore & scalpings
(must be compacted)
Terram sheeting
before hardcore
Ensure adequate
drainage
Finish
Washed gravel /
block paving
150mm (6 inches)
Concrete
Tarmac
200mm (8 inches)
150mm (6 inches)
100mm (4 inches)
100mm (4 inches)
100mm (4 inches
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
50mm (2 inches)
100mm (4 inches)
50mm (2 inches)

Existing drainage services must be considered and any manhole covers must
remain accessible.

You must maintain the parking area/hardstanding throughout your tenancy and
you may be required to remove at the end of your tenancy, and make good.

Failure to conform to the above conditions may be a breach of your tenancy
agreement and appropriate action may be taken which could affect the
security of your tenancy.

Recharges may apply at the termination of your tenancy, where Yarlington is
required to make good/remove any installation/alterations which are sub
standard.
I accept the conditions above
Patios
You cannot install patios at a Yarlington property
Plumbing
You cannot make any alterations to any of the plumbing supply to a Yarlington
property with the exception of and subject to the following conditions:
Outside Tap

You may install an outside tap where the property construction lends itself to
this installation. Traditional brick built properties are acceptable.

Properties with external insulation are excluded.

If unsure check with Yarlington if your property qualifies.

Installations must be by a qualified plumber.

Failure to conform to the above conditions may be a breach of your tenancy
agreement and appropriate action may be taken which could affect the
security of your tenancy.

Recharges may apply at the termination of your tenancy, where Yarlington is
required to make good/remove any installation/alterations which are sub
standard.
I accept the conditions above
Ponds
You cannot install a pond at a Yarlington property
Satellite Dishes or Digital TV Aerials
You may fit a satellite dish or digital aerial to a Yarlington property subject to the
following conditions:

You must conform to any Local Authority Planning requirements.

If you are in a flat there will be planning restrictions on the number of satellite
dishes/aerials allowed.

You must gain Local Authority Planning consent if your property is a listed
building.

You make any planning consents available for Yarlington to view when
required

You must remove any other fixtures to the property

You do not fix it to a chimney stack nor to the front of the property.

You remove and make good any damage at the end of your tenancy

Failure to conform to the above conditions may be a breach of your tenancy
agreement and appropriate action may be taken which could affect the
security of your tenancy.

Recharges may apply at the termination of your tenancy, where Yarlington is
required to make good/remove any installation/alterations which are sub
standard.
I accept the conditions above
Sheds/Greenhouses/Aviary’s/Poultry Houses/Dog Runs
You may install a shed or greenhouse or other outbuildings and by doing so you
agree the following conditions;

Any building erected must comply with your Local Authority Planning
requirements.

The size of the building is suitable for the size garden (preferably no larger
than 8ft x 10ft)

Any shed/ greenhouse must be a minimum of 3ft away from any boundary
fence, hedge or wall.

Any aviary/dog runs/poultry houses must be a minimum of 12 ft. from any
boundary fence, hedge or wall.

You will not erect any building over the level of existing services and drain runs
nor block any right of way or wayleaves that may exist on the property. Any
costs incurred by Yarlington in the investigation and establishment of such
rights will be recharged to the tenant.

You will ensure that any building is not being located as to interfere with any
light to either you or your neighbours existing windows.

You will construct from suitable materials, consistant with the type of usage
expected.

You will maintain the building throughout the term of the tenancy and remove
at the end of your tenancy

Failure to conform to the above conditions or should any outbuilding cause any
nuisance, annoyance, danger or distress to anyone in the neighbourhood this
may be a breach of your tenancy agreement and appropriate action may be
taken which could affect the security of your tenancy

Recharges may apply at the termination of your tenancy, where Yarlington is
required to make good/remove any installation/alterations which are sub
standard.
I accept the conditions above
Stairlifts

Stairlifts may be installed - but must be removed and any damage made good
at the end of your tenancy.
 It is the tenant’s responsibility to maintain and service throughout the period of
your tenancy.

Recharges may apply at the termination of your tenancy, where Yarlington is
required to make good/remove any installation/alterations which are sub
standard.
I accept the conditions above
Structural Alterations
You cannot make any structural alterations to a Yarlington property.
Water or Utility Meters

You can install a water meter at a Yarlington property where it is feasible. It is
not possible in some blocks of flats.

The Water Authority requires you to provide authorisation from Yarlington as
we own the property, and this can be downloaded via the customer portal or
from our website.

You must contact Yarlington and provide them with the water meter serial
number when this has been installed

Utility meters can be changed by your supplier and you must apply to them
direct, you do not require permission from Yarlington.
I accept the conditions above
Windows
You cannot replace or alter any windows in any Yarlington property
Woodburner
You cannot install a woodburner in any Yarlington property.