Permission requests

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Permission requests

These statements relate to a number of permissions requests. You should read these and make sure your request meets all criteria before requesting permission. 

Fencing 

• You should provide a satisfactory hard Standage and the construction of the hard Standage must not interfere with any natural or constructed drainage system. Building Control approval may be needed
• If you breach your boundary wall or fence you must ensure that the brickwork or fencing is finished off to an acceptable standard and not left in an uneven or broken condition
• All new materials must be used and the brickwork or fencing must match as closely as possible to the existing brickwork or fencing
• Should you wish to fit gates they must not open onto the public footpath or cause an obstruction to pedestrians
• The parking area within your boundary should provide for a desirable clear parking length and must not project onto the public highway, including the public footpath, as stipulated by the Highways Act 1980. This would also constitute an obstruction and may warrant a fine that you would be responsible for
• Upon the termination of your tenancy, the improvements will remain an integral part of the property as a landlord’s fixture and fitting
• Should any of these conditions be breached then Gentoo will ask you to remove the hardstandage and make good any breached or damaged walls and fencing at your expense. You could also be recharged by Gentoo if this work is not completed to a satisfactory standard
• After installation, please contact Gentoo to arrange an inspection to ensure the work has been completed to a satisfactory standard

Installation of satellite 

• If it is necessary to fix the equipment to the dwelling, the fixing should be direct to the brickwork, preferably to the rear or gable end, and must be below ridge level
• The equipment should not be fixed to the chimney, fascia boards or onto any cladding (e.g. tile hanging)
• No door or window frames should be drilled to accommodate wiring
• The satellite dish should not exceed 90cm in diameter. If the dish exceeds 90cm in diameter you must contact Gentoo in writing. You will also need council planning permission
• The satellite dish must not be a cause of nuisance to your neighbours. If Gentoo receives any justified complaints it may request that the system is removed
• Where the property is a block of flats or maisonettes, we do not allow more than one dish to be installed. Permission is granted on the condition that the customer will allow access to others within to block of flats/maisonettes to get a connection
• After installation, please contact Gentoo to arrange an inspection to ensure the work has been completed to a satisfactory standard. If the satellite dish is not installed correctly it may need to be removed

Stairlift 

• Asbestos containing materials may be present in the hall flooring which is likely to be effected by the stairlift installation. The disturbance or disposal of this should only be carried out by a suitably qualified person or specialised licenced contractor
• If the installation of a power point is required, a qualified electrician must be used. Any electrical works must be in accordance with the IET wiring regulations and Part P of the new building regulations (electrical safety) relating to electrical works (see enclosed guidance)
• You will need to obtain a warranty of at least 12 months from the installer or manufacturer. Gentoo will not accept any responsibility for repairs or maintenance of the stairlift during this period. Gentoo will need copies of the relevant warranty and/or guarantees
• An electrical minor works certificate may be required for this work
• The maintenance and servicing of the stairlift will be covered by the warranty for at least 12 months. After expiry of the warranty the stairlift will be maintained as a fixture and fitting by Gentoo who will complete an annual service

Alter banister and spindles on staircase

• There must be a maximum four inch space between each spindle
• Upon the termination of your tenancy, the improvements remain as a landlord’s fixture and fitting, forming an integral part of the property

Electric shower 

• The shower must be installed in a professional manner, by a competent tradesperson to the satisfaction of Gentoo. Asbestos containing materials may be present and a check/assessment will have to be made for the potential disturbance of any such materials 
• You will be responsible for tiling around the walls of the bath/shower and ensuring it is made water tight
• Gentoo will not accept any responsibility for repairs or maintenance of the shower during the manufacturer’s warranty period (which is generally 12 months). Gentoo will need copies of the relevant manufacturer’s guarantees
• Should any repairs or maintenance be required to your home as a direct result of the installation of the shower then these costs will be recharged to you
• Any electrical works to the shower must be in accordance with the IET wiring regulations and Part P of the new building regulations (electrical safety) relating to electrical works. 
• After installation, please contact Gentoo to arrange an inspection to ensure the work has been completed to a satisfactory standard

Greenhouse

• All new materials must be used and the greenhouse must not be attached to your existing fence
• The greenhouse must have a one metre space around it to allow for access and not exceed the following dimensions: height 2.1 metres (83 inches), width 1.9 metres (75 inches), length 2.4 metres (94 inches) 
• The greenhouse must be sited so that waste water from the roof does not run into the adjoining garden. The greenhouse must be built on a foundation of hardcore, concrete or flagstones
• The construction of the greenhouse must not interfere with the natural or constructed drainage system
• The proposed greenhouse must not interfere with the equality of the environment or the existing conditions of any other resident
• Upon termination of your tenancy the greenhouse must be removed (including any broken glass) and the land re-instated to its original form with all costs met by you.  Should you fail to do this upon termination of your tenancy then you will be recharged for the removal of the greenhouse
• Should you proceed with the construction and the above conditions are not met Gentoo will request that you remove the greenhouse immediately 

Erect a shed

• The works are carried out by a competent tradesperson to the satisfaction of Gentoo. Materials containing asbestos are not permitted to be used. Gentoo will not accept any responsibility for repairs, or maintenance of the shed, or any parts associated with the shed
• Any damage caused as a result of any alterations is made good by you
• All costs are met by you
• All materials used must be new and the shed must not be attached to your existing fence
• The shed must not exceed the following dimensions: height 2.1 metres (83 inches), width 1.9 metres (75 inches) length 2.4 metres (94 inches)
• The shed must be sited near the end of the garden and must be at least two metres (78 inches) away from any property; one metre (39 inches) away from any boundary fences. The shed must be free standing and not be attached to any existing outhouse or garage etc. The shed must be built on a foundation of hardcore, concrete or flagstones
• The shed must be sited so that waste water from the roof does not run into the adjoining garden
• The shed must be constructed of good quality materials and only the roof may be covered in felt. Felt must not be used to cover the walls of the shed
• The shed shall be all one muted colour – natural or dark brown. No stripes or bright colours will be allowed
• The construction of the shed must not interfere with the natural or constructed drainage system. The shed must not cover any drain covers in the garden. Should access be required at any time to repair drainage or pipe work then it will be your responsibility to ensure the shed is removed to allow access
• The shed must not interfere with the quality of the environment or the existing conditions of any other residents
• Should you wish to provide windows, any glazing to the shed must be in accordance with part N of the building regulations relating to glazing
• Upon the termination of your tenancy the shed must be removed and the land re-instated to its original form with all costs met by you. Should you fail to do this upon termination of your tenancy then you will be recharged for the removal of the shed
• Should you proceed with the construction and the above conditions are not met Gentoo will request that you remove the shed immediately

Permission to erect a fence  

• Fencing should be of vertical laths and not exceed one metre in height to the front and 1.8 metres in height to the rear of your property. Planning permission for a fence is likely to be required if the fence would be over one metre high and next to a highway used by vehicles (or the footpath of such a highway); or over two metres high elsewhere.  You will be responsible for making your own enquiries at the local planning department as well as being responsible for the payment of any fees which the City Council will impose
• Please be mindful that there could be cables/drains/pipework underground in the garden. If you find these please inform Gentoo immediately as you could be charged for any damage
• Upon termination of your tenancy it will be necessary to leave the above mentioned fence as part of the landlord's fixtures and fittings
• At any future time Gentoo may request the removal of any fencing installed and for the garden area to be reinstated to its original condition
• You will be responsible for maintaining the garden area you are  fencing in should the area of land have previously been an open space area that was maintained by Gentoo
• You will be responsible for painting and maintaining the upkeep of the fence
• The fence should be painted using a dark stain colour as already discussed and agreed with you by Gentoo
• The fence should not be made of poor quality fencing (such as wooden pallets, sections of board or bamboo/mesh type fencing) and must comply with the standards agreed by Gentoo
• The fence should not be attached to any walls or brickwork.  All fencing should be attached to individual posts 
• You must notify Gentoo once all works have been completed in order for an inspection to be carried out to check that all works have been completed to a satisfactory standard

Bathroom suite replacement 

• The bathroom suite must be installed in a professional manner, by a competent tradesperson to the satisfaction of Gentoo. Asbestos containing materials may be present and a check/assessment will have to be made prior to the potential disturbance of any such materials
• You will be responsible for tiling around the walls of the bath and ensuring it is made water tight
• Works which are not authorised, do not comply with the original plans, or are not completed to a satisfactory standard may have to be removed by you at the request of Gentoo.  Should you fail remove such items they will be removed by Gentoo with all costs being charged to you
• Gentoo will not accept any responsibility for repairs or maintenance of the bathroom suite during the manufacturer’s warranty period.
• Gentoo reserves the right to request the removal of the bathroom suite at any future date, if it interferes with future modernisation schemes or routine maintenance
• Any electrical works to the bathroom must be in accordance with the IET wiring regulations and Part P of the new building regulations (electrical safety) relating to electrical works (see enclosed guidance)
• Following the expiry of any warranty period, should the bathroom suite (or any part of it) have to be repaired or renewed, then Gentoo will replace with a nearest match or colour within the range available to Gentoo at that time. Gentoo will not renew the full bathroom suite

Running a business from home   

• The property must still be used mainly for residential purposes
• You must show consideration towards your neighbours and the public at large, by not causing excessive noise or behaving in a way which makes life unpleasant for others
• The premises are used only as a ‘care of’ business address for correspondence and telephone
• Any leaflets/literature advertising the business must not contain the address of the property
• There is no signage associated with the business displayed from the property
• No staff are to be employed at your property
• Goods cannot be purchased directly from the property
• No alterations are to be carried out to the property in association with the business and fire safety regulations must be adhered to
• Storage of items associated with the business must be kept to an absolute minimum
• Any vehicles used in conjunction with the business are kept to a minimum and must not cause a nuisance
• Where the property is found to be used for immoral or illegal purposes then permission will be withdrawn and legal action will be taken
• Your business must be registered with the appropriate authorities and meet the appropriate regulations
• All relevant documentation must be presented at your local housing office.  If the paperwork is not provided or is not satisfactory then permission will be withdrawn
• Gentoo cannot be held liable for any breaches to health and safety regulations. You therefore cannot store materials which are dangerous or may constitute a fire or health and safety hazard
• Gentoo must be informed if the business ceases or changes in any way
• Gentoo reserves the right to a review of this decision should complaints be received

In curtilage parking (installing a drive in your garden)

• You must provide a satisfactory hardstandage and the construction of the hardstandage must not interfere with any natural or constructed drainage system. Building Control approval may be needed
• All works must be carried out by a competent tradesperson and to the satisfaction of Gentoo
• If you breach your boundary wall or fence you must ensure that the brickwork or fencing is finished off to an acceptable standard and not left in an uneven or broken condition
• All new materials must be used and the brickwork or fencing must match as closely as possible to the existing brickwork or fencing
• Should you wish to fit gates they must not open onto the public footpath or cause an obstruction to pedestrians
• The parking area within your boundary should provide for a desirable clear parking length and must not project onto the public highway, including the public footpath, as stipulated by the Highways Act 1980. This would also constitute an obstruction and may warrant a fine that you would be responsible for
• All costs are met by you
• Upon the termination of your tenancy, the improvements will remain an integral part of the property as a landlord’s fixture and fitting
• Should any of these conditions be breached then Gentoo will ask you to remove the hardstandage and make good any breached or damaged walls and fencing at your expense. You could also be recharged by Gentoo if this work is not completed to a satisfactory standard
• Upon completion of the work an inspection is carried out by Gentoo to assess that all the works have been completed to a satisfactory standard

Flooring 

• Any damage caused to the property as a direct result of the fitting of the laminate flooring is made good at your own expense. The laminate flooring must not be fitted under the skirting boards and skirting boards must not be removed. You could also be recharged for any damage if this is not made good    
• Gentoo will not accept any responsibility for repairs or maintenance to the flooring
• Gentoo will not be liable for any damage caused to the laminate flooring unless such damage is due to the negligence of Gentoo
• You may be required to remove the laminate flooring in certain situations. Gentoo will not be responsible for the uplift of the flooring if repair, maintenance, or improvement works, such as modernisation, need to be carried out in your home which require the laminate flooring to be removed or lifted. Gentoo will also not be liable for the cost of its replacement or the costs of relaying it
• Should the laminate flooring cause noise transference especially in flat/apartment buildings then Gentoo reserve the right to ask that the flooring is removed and a different floor surface fitted to prevent this issue continuing
• Upon the termination of your tenancy, the improvements must be removed from the property and the floor must be reinstated to its original condition. If the floor is not reinstated then Gentoo will recharge you for any repair work that is identified

Installing CCTV and video doorbells

• Customers that install their own CCTV are required to check the guidance on the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) website at www.ico.org.uk and government guidance on the use of domestic CCTV to ensure they fully understand the requirements
• CCTV systems fitted to domestic properties do not need to be registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and a fee does not need to be paid
• CCTV refers to the use of any video surveillance equipment mounted or fixed on a property. It includes cameras fitted to doorbells
• If images captured on CCTV fall outside of the boundary of the CCTV owner's property, then it may capture images of others. It therefore falls within the scope of the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA). If this is the case, then it must comply with the Act
  If the camera captures images outside of the owner's boundary, then the CCTV owner is classed as a Data Controller and has obligations under the DPA
• If your CCTV captures images outside of your boundary you will need to:
• Let people know you are using CCTV by putting up signs saying that recording is taking place, and why
• Ensure you don't capture more footage than you need to achieve your purpose in using the system
• Ensure the security of the footage you capture - in other words, holding it securely and making sure nobody can watch it without good reason
• Only keep the footage for as long as you need it - delete it regularly, and when it is no longer needed
• Ensure the CCTV system is only operated in ways you intend and can't be misused for other reasons. Anyone you share your property with, such as family members who could use the equipment, needs to know the importance of not misusing it
• Make sure you respect the data protection rights of the people whose images you capture by:
• Responding to subject access requests (SARs), if you receive any Individuals have a right to access the personal data you hold about them, including identifiable images. They can ask you verbally or in writing You must respond within one month and give them a copy of the data
• Deleting footage of people if they ask you to do so. You should do this within one month. You can refuse to delete it if you specifically need to keep it for a genuine legal dispute - in which case you need to tell them this, and also tell them they can challenge this in court or complain to the /CO
• Consider any objection you get from particular people about capturing their image
• In the future given the nature of CCTV systems, this may be very difficult to do However, you should again think whether you need to record images beyond your property boundary - particularly if your system is capturing images from a neighbour's home or garden