Right to compensation
Secure tenants can apply for compensation for certain improvements they have carried out to their homes since 1 April 1994.
An application can be made by the tenant within 28 days before or 14 days after the end of the tenancy.
A qualifying person (tenants who may claim compensation) can be:
- the tenant who made the improvement
- anyone who became a tenant jointly with the improving tenant
- a person succeeding to the tenancy on the death of the improving tenant
- assignees who would have qualified to succeed to the tenancy if the tenant had died
- a spouse or former spouse, cohabitant or former cohabitant to whom the tenancy was assigned or transferred by a court order following a relationship breakdown
The list below shows the qualifying improvement (works the tenant may claim for) and the notional life span in years:
- bath or shower 12
- wash hand basin 12
- toilet 12
- kitchen sink 10
- storage cupboards in bathroom or kitchen 10
- work surfaces for food preparation 10
- space or water heating 12
- thermostatic radiator valves 7
- insulation of pipes, water tank or cylinder 10
- loft insulation 20
- cavity wall insulation 20
- draught proofing of external doors or windows 8
- double glazing or other external window replacement of glazing 20
- rewiring or the provision of power and lighting or other electrical fittings (including smoke detectors) 15
- security measures (excluding burglar alarm systems) 10
The tenant can claim compensation for:
- the cost of materials (but not appliances such as a cooker or a fridge)
- labour costs (but not DIY)
The tenant can get up to a total of £3,000 for any one improvement, but will not get any compensation if the cost is below £50. The amount of compensation will depend on the age and condition of the improvement when the claim is made.
