Right to compensation for improvements
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 that 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 years
- wash hand basin -12 years
- toilet - 12 years
- kitchen sink - 10 years
- storage cupboards in bathroom or kitchen - 10 years
- work surfaces for food preparation - 10 years
- space or water heating - 12 years
- thermostatic radiator valves - 7 years
- insulation of pipes, water tank or cylinder - 10 years
- loft insulation - 20 years
- cavity wall insulation - 20 years
- draught proofing of external doors or windows - 8 years
- double glazing or other external window replacement of glazing - 20 years
- rewiring or the provision of power and lighting or other electrical fittings (including smoke detectors) - 15 years
- security measures (excluding burglar alarm systems) - 10 years
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.