Covenants and approvals (council properties)

When council properties are sold, a number of ‘covenants’ are placed on the sale. A covenant restricts what current and future owner/occupiers can do. The most common is the need for occupiers to obtain the council's permission if they want to undertake structural alterations, build another home in their garden or use the property for a business. There are also other covenants. If owners do not seek the necessary permission from the council, they will experience problems when they come to sell their property, since purchasers' solicitors will require proof that permission has been given.

Matters relating to covenants on council house sales are dealt with by the appropriate Area Housing Office. A charge is made for considering and administering requests for permission.