can i change my windows?

Question

ive been living in a ground floor 1bedroom masonette for 6years and have constantly had trouble with damp an condensation around the windows ive reported it loads of times to the local council im sick of it,being as the windows a that big it would not cost a fortune and being as they wont move me im serioussly thinking about paying to have them done myself but whats the consequences of the council surely they cant make me take them out once there in can they,any suggestions?cheers.

forgot to say they are single glazed and im thinking about getting double.

Answer 1

You could do it....but if you read the small print in your rental agreement with the Council it will say something on the lines of not being able to do work on the property without the consent of the Council....no they wont take them out, but maybe they could evict you.....write them a letter pointing out the problems and what you intend to do about it and ask them their permission....then they can't argue.

Answer 2

While going double would be nice, the condensation can also be caused by poor air movement through your flat. Air is stagnent against the window, so it its the cold surface, stays and condenses. Can happen on cold walls too. Try adding a fan to your home to keep the air moving and you might also have a negative air issue where you are not getting enough new air into the flat. (Doubtful as I'm sure the single pane windows also leak air.) New windows would be great but try the fan in the mean time.

Answer 3

As it is not your property, you are not legally allowed to under take any major building works without prior permission. Naturally you would not be able to get the cost of the windows back even though you would be improving the property. The one thing you must consider is that there may be planning issues - for example do you live in a conservation area, is your house of historical interest ? Phone your local office and talk to them, remember Landlords do have obligations. And finally Yes they can make you remove and re instate!

Answer 4

I agree with some of the other contributors. You must and should always ask permission to carry out work from the landlord prior to embarking on one. Most councils are understanding and very reasonable. Seeing that replacing ineffective windows will infact be a plus action, I cannot see how permission could be refused. Try talking to your council's housing section. You may be pleasantly surprised at the outcome.

Answer 5

I don't know where you live or the terms of your lease, but I would definately ask first. I can't imagine they would have a problem with it unless you live in a historic district where the regulations say the building has to be kept historically accurate.

Talk to your landlord or whoever is in charge and ask them to give you the okay, in writing, to replace the window.

The only problem I see is if the window is removed and additional damage is found (or done to the building), the landlord would probably want to make that cost your responsibility.

Maybe you can ask the landlord to split it with you - you pay for the window and he pays for the labor. Then it's his responsibility even if you pay for the material cost.

Answer 6

You might check into storm windows..
They make some with a aluminum frame and clear vinyl window that are real easy to install.
It goes on the inside of your windows and acts like a dual pane window.

Answer 7

you dont say if you own the flat ..but if you dont then dont go there ..you cant do it if you dont own it

Answer 8

I would have thought they'd be please you were improving their property. Why not ask them?