Building works in your high-rise home

Before you start any work

Check your tenancy or lease agreement and contact us before buying materials, appointing a contractor or starting work. We may set conditions that you must follow.

Changes in a high-rise building

Rules are stricter if you live in a high-rise building (at least 18 metres high or seven or more floors), where some work may also need approval from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).

The Building Safety Regulator is the building control authority for work in higher-risk buildings. Lewisham Council’s permission as landlord or Principal Accountable Person is separate from any building control approval you may require. If your proposed work requires BSR approval, you or the person acting as the applicant must ensure the appropriate application is made and approval is obtained before work starts. Contact us first for advice, but do not assume that our consent replaces BSR approval or any other statutory consent.

Depending on the work, you may also need planning permission, building regulations approval or permission from an electricity, gas or water provider.

• Do not assume that our consent replaces any other approval
• Do not start work until every necessary approval is in place

Why permission matters in a high-rise building

Work to walls, windows, doors, floors, pipework or the outside of the building could affect fire safety, structural safety, ventilation or escape routes.

Getting advice and written approval before work begins helps protect you, your neighbours and the building.

How to ask for permission

Contact Lewisham Council before you start.

• If you are a tenant, contact the Housing Management team
• If you are a leaseholder, contact the Home Ownership team

Give us clear details of the proposed work, including where it will take place, what materials will be used and who will carry it out. We may ask for plans, drawings, specifications, contractor details or evidence of other approvals before we can make a decision. We will also advise you if you need any other permissions, such as from the Building Safety Regulator.

Wait until you have our written consent and understand any conditions before starting. Keep a copy of the consent and make sure anyone carrying out the work follows it.

If work is carried out without permission

If you make alterations to your home without permission, we may require you to return it to its previous condition. You will be responsible for any damage caused by unauthorised work.

If you do not put things right, we may carry out the work and charge you our reasonable costs. Failing to reinstate the property, allow us to do the work or pay these costs may be a breach of your tenancy or lease conditions.