Housing

Decoration and Disturbance Allowance

Why is a Decoration Allowance issued?

There are various reasons why decoration allowance could be issued. Please contact us for further information.

How is a Decoration Allowance paid?

A voucher is issued which is for use exclusively at Homebase, Merrielands Crescent, Dagenham, to put towards the cost of materials required to decorate the property. The voucher is valid for 3 months from date tenancy signed, and the tenant must get all decoration materials during one visit to the store.

For identification purposes, the tenant must take their copy of the tenancy agreement with the voucher to Homebase.

How is a Decoration Allowance calculated?

A property is inspected at the void stage (when it is empty) and it is at this point that the amount of Tenants Decoration Allowance is determined, based on the condition of the property.

Decoration following fire damage

If a property has been damaged by fire, an allowance can be raised to decorate the rooms affected within the property following the necessary repairs.

For further information on any of the above, please contact Enterprise.

Decoration allowance for the elderly and disabled

The Customer Services Department is able to assist with the decorating of some homes rented by elderly or disabled council tenants.

How do I qualify?

To qualify for decorating, you must be over 65 years old or be registered with Barking and Dagenham Adult and Community Services as either physically or mentally disabled.

You must also hold a secure tenancy (which means that your accommodation is not temporary).

As funds are limited, assistance must go to those in the greatest need on a first-come first-served basis.

What else do I need to know?

There are certain circumstances where we cannot accept an application for decorating. You will not qualify if:

You have (or someone on your behalf has) applied to buy the property (the Right to Buy)
You have any person living with you aged between 16 and 65 who is not registered disabled
We have carried out decorating in your property at any point during the last 7 years
We have given you a decorating allowance or voucher at any point in the last 7 years

You may also not qualify simply because funds have already run out. If this is the case, you will need to re-apply during the next financial year (which begins at the start of April). Unfortunately, applications cannot be 'queued' until money becomes available.

I think I qualify - what happens next?

You will need to fill out the attached form, and return it to your local Estate Management Office.

If you qualify, your form will be sent to the Department's Repairs Section, who will contact you to arrange the work. The Estate Management Office will write to you to let you know their decision.

If successful, we will then redecorate each room that you tick on the form. Please note that bedrooms will only be decorated if they are used on a full-time basis as bedrooms by a household member.

If you decide to not have certain rooms decorated, then we will not be able to assist with decorating those rooms for a further 7 years. If decorating cannot be started or has to stop because of illness affecting a member of the household, we will try to arrange for the work to be carried out at a later date.

Local Housing Offices|

Application form PDF 36K

Please fill out both pages of this form and send it to your local housing office.

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