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Housing, property and land

Home improvements in public housing

On this page:

Home improvements in public housing
What you can do to your home
How to get approval for alterations and additions
Getting approval to install solar panels
What happens when you move out

Home improvements in public housing

If you're planning any alterations, additions or other improvements to your home you will need to get approval from Housing SA before beginning the work as some restrictions may apply. Alterations may also require Council approval.

You will be responsible for organising and paying for all materials and work carried out on your home, and for ensuring that the work meets all legal requirements.

If you or someone in your household needs modifications because of a medical condition, disability, or their age these may be carried out by Housing SA free of charge. For more information see Disability modifications in public housing.

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What you can do to your home

Some of the improvements you can make include:

pergolas, sheds and carports
curtain tracks and shelving
TV antennas and satellite dishes
roller shutters, security screens or blinds
air conditioners and ceiling fans.

Some restrictions may apply depending on the type of dwelling, structural requirements and location.

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How to get approval for alterations and additions

To apply for approval:

Step 1: Complete an application to undertake additions (PDF 170KB) (Word 129KB).

Step 2: Include documents showing the location and dimensions of the improvement.

Step 3: Return all documents to Housing SA.

Depending on the improvement, someone from Housing SA may contact you to arrange a visit to your home. You may also be asked to get any necessary planning approvals - eg approval from your local council, and return this to Housing SA.

All work must be carried out within 90 days of approval being granted. All work must be completed by a qualified professional and done to a professional standard.

Completed forms can be lodged at any Housing SA office or by post. Forms and fact sheets can be posted to you from Housing SA on request.

For information about choosing qualified professionals see Practical advice for selecting a builder, tradesperson or contractor.

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Getting approval to install solar panels

To install solar panels you will be responsible for:

buying the panels
organising and paying for installation by a qualified and licensed professional
paying for any ongoing maintenance costs
organising and paying for any insurance on the panels
removing them and repairing any damage when you move out.

Applying for approval to install solar panels:

You may get approval to install a solar panel provided that:

you are not on a probationary tenancy or short term lease
you get approval from your strata group or community corporation to install them (if you live in a community or strata titled property)
the roof cladding doesn’t contain asbestos
the roof structure or any other part of the building is deemed suitable for their installation by Housing SA
Housing SA gives written approval for the solar panels to be installed.

Step 1: Complete an application to undertake additions or alterations (PDF 170KB) (Word 126KB) and return this to Housing SA.

Step 2: A site inspection may be necessary to make sure that your property is suitable for solar panels to be installed. Housing SA will contact you to organise this if it is required. You will be told if your application has been approved or not and why by letter.

If you disagree with the outcome of your application you can appeal the decision.

Step 3: If your application has been approved you will be given a solar panel supply and installation deed to complete and sign. The deed sets out the terms and conditions under which the panels will be installed on the property. Both you and the company you employ to install the solar panels will have to sign it. Return the completed and signed deed to Housing SA. Copies of the deed will be provided to you and the installation company once Housing SA has signed the deed.

It is important that:

you and the company you engage read this deed carefully and contact Housing SA if you have any questions or if there is something you don’t understand.
you do not begin any work until you have received written approval for the installation from Housing SA.

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What happens when you move out

You will need to bring the property back to its original standard if you decide to move out. This means you may need to remove all improvements, additions and alterations and repair any damage their removal caused – eg filling in holes left from shelving units.

If you do not do this, Housing SA may charge you for removing the improvements or repairing damage.

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