This isn’t illegal or against any kind of rules, is it? (Housing Association Upgrades)

[NewBathroomCannotWait]

My HA are fitting a new bathroom.

I had a choice of tiles for the floor and walls, from 3 options and 5 choices of paint – the options where mix and match. So, I could choose floor tile 1, with floor tile 3 and paint option 4 if I wanted I wasn’t limited to choosing option 1 for everything.

I was also told there is another 2 options, where I buy the tiles/paint and they fit them/paint or they fit the bath, shower, toilet and sink then I tile and paint it myself. They will not lay down wood flooring or laminate so if I’d wanted those it’d be my responsibility. The tiles I’ve chosen are really nice though and I was surprised I got as much choice as I did.

I have gone with choosing my own paint, as I didn’t think the paint colour options would work with the tiles I’ve chosen, but the HA will be painting it for me. I have a deadline to get the paint by. There was absolutely no pressure, and if I had said I didn’t want tiles/paint etc the lady said she couldn’t force it and I could do the rest at my own pace or if I'd wanted their options that was perfectly fine to.

The fixtures are a basic white suite, I didn’t have a choice with that which is fair enough.

My parents keep going on about how this is illegal, I should have had complete free choice of anything in the shops and I shouldn’t be being charged extra for it. It's going to be basic cheap stuff apparently and they'll be expecting me to pay to replace it when it inevitable fails.

I pointed out in their private rental when the landlord upgraded their kitchen they got no choice, so I was doing better than them there but they said that the landlord didn't use cheap and expect them to replace it when a tile chipped on the floor. I also said in a private owned home the owners would pay for everything so to just have to buy a few buckets of paint is an incredible deal.

They keep telling me I’m being scammed by the HA and I should take them to court over it. Apparently, my rent pays for upgrades, and they should give me whatever I want including a coloured suite.

I don’t think I’d have chosen those options if fitting my own bathroom, but I don’t feel hard done by because I’ve chosen them and I’m quite excited for my new bathroom.

This isn’t illegal, is it? I am right to be able to buy my own paint/tiles if I wanted?

I can’t find anything on the internet about payments.

I'm not sure what planet they are living on but no the HA aren't doing anything illegal. Rightly so many are moving away from the- just have what we choose and have no say in it at all- as they recognise these are peoples homes and choice is important. This doesn't mean unfettered choice is achievable. It seems like your HA has a decent balance of offering options with the chance to contribute a small amount if you want something else.

I had a new bathroom fitted last year, had a choice of colours and type of flooring, only 1 choice for the bath, sink and toilet.

Your parents are wrong. Just don't discuss it with them at all.

Thank you everyone, exactly how I thought it was.

It used to be that the houses in HA stock were seen as commodities and you got what you were given... life has moved on and HAs are growing up a bit and treating those living in the houses as humans with dignity, and this is a part of that - a recognition that you have a view and input...

however they do still have to balance what they can offer, to offer absolutely anything would be to allow some residents to spec. horrendously expensive fittings - and ultimately that would be at the cost of what they can provide to others...

sounds as though you have a good relationship with them and your attitude is superb - your parents might need to open their eyes a little bit more and be a bit more realistic.

It's probably a good ruddy job it isnt as they think it is. You'll have something to their taste by the sounds of it. Who has coloured suites these days?!

You sound very sensible. Who takes a HA to court over choice of tiling?!

My parents are like this, i ignore them. On the estate i used to live on the estate was getting run down so the HA started putting rules in. Letters were received to say bins had to be kept in your garden if not out for collection (mine already were) and then another letter about not storing rubbish in your garden (i didnt anyway) my dad was outraged, they cant do this, they cant tell you what to do, he even mentioned he can keep his bins anywhere he wanted, well yes dad thats because you own your house, mine is HA and i have to do what they say.

Dont get me started about getting a new kitchen, they cant do this that or the other, you need to tell them this that or the other, i just roll my eyes.