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Original poster

Does anyone know if housing associations allow you to convert lofts?

69 replies

OaAKp · 21/09/2022 15:14

I have 3 boys in 1 room. 2 older teens. 1 preteen.

It's just not feasible anymore. Overcrowded but HA can't do anything.

Been on rehousing / house exchange list for years. With nothing.

Single living room so can't convert 2nd living into bedroom.

The ONLY space we have is the loft but I'm not sure if we would even be allowed.

I'm happy to pay for it to be done properly, if I can afford it, via HA.

DP says we should just board it out for eldest DS, because he thinks they will say no.

But what if they need to access the loft at some point. It just seems stupid that 3 kids are sharing a room when there's so much loft space with just boxes :(

OP posts:
Northernsoullover · 21/09/2022 15:16

You can't just board out a loft. Fire safety considerations. You need an escape window and proper stairs. Speak to the HA.

NewBootsAndRanty · 21/09/2022 15:16

Northernsoullover · 21/09/2022 15:16

You can't just board out a loft. Fire safety considerations. You need an escape window and proper stairs. Speak to the HA.

This.

Original poster
OaAKp · 21/09/2022 15:19

Northernsoullover · 21/09/2022 15:16

You can't just board out a loft. Fire safety considerations. You need an escape window and proper stairs. Speak to the HA.

I know. That's why I told him no and am asking if anyone's ever gotten permission to do it properly.

OP posts:
MessyBunPersonified · 21/09/2022 15:22

They wouldn't allow that. Even if you did get permission, you would need to use their approved contractors and pay for everything yourselves and have it inspected every step of the way, it would cost tens of thousands. Its also possible they would make you put it back to its original state before you leave too.

I am in a council house and have put up a wall to split one of the rooms, and I'll take it down when I leave. I don't get house inspections here but I know some of the housing associations do inspect. Is there a room big enough to put up a wall?

Original poster
OaAKp · 21/09/2022 15:25

MessyBunPersonified · 21/09/2022 15:22

They wouldn't allow that. Even if you did get permission, you would need to use their approved contractors and pay for everything yourselves and have it inspected every step of the way, it would cost tens of thousands. Its also possible they would make you put it back to its original state before you leave too.

I am in a council house and have put up a wall to split one of the rooms, and I'll take it down when I leave. I don't get house inspections here but I know some of the housing associations do inspect. Is there a room big enough to put up a wall?

No there isn't. It's a tiny terrace. No room at all.
I'll just board it out and deal with the consequences then because I can't live like this anymore. BIL is a window fitter so can fit a window and loft stairs properly. I'll also buy a fire ladder for DS to have.

OP posts:
NewBootsAndRanty · 21/09/2022 15:26

Will it not jeapordise your tenancy?

Pinkandpurplehairedlady · 21/09/2022 15:28

You can with my HA but it’s quite complicated. Give your housing officer a call and they should be able to talk you through the process.

Original poster
OaAKp · 21/09/2022 15:28

I don't know. I'm just so desperate.

No one wants to exchange because it's a really shitty area and the house is so small.

I have 3 kid and DP moved in 8 years ago with 1 DC (a girl so she has the box room)

It was OK when they were small.

OP posts:
Original poster
OaAKp · 21/09/2022 15:28

Pinkandpurplehairedlady · 21/09/2022 15:28

You can with my HA but it’s quite complicated. Give your housing officer a call and they should be able to talk you through the process.

Ah that gives me a bit of hope. Thanks.

I don't wnat to do it on the sly. I know it's not good. I'm just so frustrated.

OP posts:
155ninjas · 21/09/2022 15:29

Could you get a sofa bed for your living area and give up your bedroom ? It’s not ideal but teens will be on phones in their rooms I expect or doing homework it’s not like it’s toddlers so you’ll have your own space still ?

MessyBunPersonified · 21/09/2022 15:31

It sounds frustrating op.

Please don't just make changes like adding a window in without trying to get permission or finding out the process.

Your tenancy agreement could be ended and you would be considered voluntarily homeless as you broke it.

Original poster
OaAKp · 21/09/2022 15:33

155ninjas · 21/09/2022 15:29

Could you get a sofa bed for your living area and give up your bedroom ? It’s not ideal but teens will be on phones in their rooms I expect or doing homework it’s not like it’s toddlers so you’ll have your own space still ?

No, DP has multiple illnesses and doesn't get much sleep as it is. He needs his proper bed. He couldn't sleep on a pull out.

OP posts:
Original poster
OaAKp · 21/09/2022 15:35

I looked into getting a Murphy bed but again, as the room is so small it just won't work

OP posts:
MessyBunPersonified · 21/09/2022 15:38

OaAKp · 21/09/2022 15:33

No, DP has multiple illnesses and doesn't get much sleep as it is. He needs his proper bed. He couldn't sleep on a pull out.

Show quote history

Have you got medical points, a doctors letter, and also overcrowding points all added to your application on the transfer list?

soundsofthesixties · 21/09/2022 15:41

If they find out, you could be made to put it back as it was. Also the rent would be a lot higher if you've added another bedroom. I wouldn't risk it to be honest, you could find yourself being evicted.

user478965227857 · 21/09/2022 15:48

You can't just board it out and get a fire ladder, OP.

It will cost thousands to do it properly.

Won't teens be moving out soon?

Can't DP move out with his child as they weren't there when you got the house?

CrossStichQueen · 21/09/2022 15:58

Have you wrote to your MP?

I know this doesn't always work but I work in Housing and see the managers bend over backwards when MPs write in on behalf of tenants. Especially if your DH has a medical condition the overcrowding could make it worse?

loislovesstewie · 21/09/2022 16:02

Please do nothing until you have written permission from the HA to carry out any works. If you are given the go ahead then it will have to be overseen by building control and there will be lots of rules to follow. I used to work as a housing officer and dealt with a tenant who did their own renovation and ended up being evicted. If you are overcrowded have you requested a transfer?

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 21/09/2022 16:06

There is another potential issue. The joists (which would support the floor) may be capable of supporting the ceiling but not designed for a 'livable room' they may need strengthening.

2bazookas · 21/09/2022 16:17

'll just board it out and deal with the consequences then

You have a tenancy contract. The consequence of breaking the terms of the tenancy contract, is being evicted.

This happened to someone I know who had a very nice council house. Her feckless cocklodger casually knocked out a couple of loadbearing walls "to make downstairs open plan". next door got a crack in a wall and dobbed the tenant in to the council. They were evicted (at speed, dangerous building) and refused rehousing.

Original poster
OaAKp · 21/09/2022 16:33

user478965227857 · 21/09/2022 15:48

You can't just board it out and get a fire ladder, OP.

It will cost thousands to do it properly.

Won't teens be moving out soon?

Can't DP move out with his child as they weren't there when you got the house?

How can he just move out, where will he go. We can't just split our family up.

And I don't think my sons will be moving out anytime soon. They're in education. Not going uni, they'll probably get jobs after and I doubt they'll be bale to move out on minimum wage for a long time.

OP posts:
AintNobodyHereButUsChickens · 21/09/2022 16:54

I suppose it depends on your HA, when my sister lived in an HA house they asked permission to convert the outside toilet and shed into one big shed. The HA said they could do what they liked as long as it didn't devalue the property in any way. I know a brick shed and a loft conversion are wildly different but really, what's the worst than can happen by simply asking if you can?

Sophieleigh26 · 21/09/2022 16:57

Have you considered a garden outbuilding?

namechangedforthis21 · 21/09/2022 17:01

My friend has just done this. She spoke to her housing officer and they sent out an inspector. They had to get an architect to draw up the plans and then submit them and the ha helped fund it as it was adding value to their property. They also fitted another bathroom when doing it.
I would phone your housing officer you have nothing to lose by asking.

orbitalcrisis · 21/09/2022 17:18

What does your tenancy agreement say? Mine when I was in a HA place was that I could make alterations with their permission and they were not allowed to refuse any reasonable request. A loft conversion at your own expense seems pretty reasonable. But interpreting a legal document I have never seen isn't.