Help with paying for home repairs and improvements

There is no central government scheme or additional funding for home repairs or improvements in England.

For tenants, landlords are usually responsible for carrying out repairs, but they may apply for help with the cost of improvements. The landlord’s permission would usually need to be sought before carrying out home improvement work. For more information Citizens Advice has a page on Repairs in rented housing.

In England and Wales local housing authorities have discretion to provide financial help towards home repairs and improvements, including for owner occupiers. This can take several forms, eg a grant or a loan. Constituents are best advised to check their local authority’s website to find out what help, if any, is on offer.

If grants are available, they are usually subject to a means-test. Alternatively, the authority might offer repayable loans. This Library paper provides an overview: Assistance with home repairs/improvements.

In Wales, local authorities may offer an interest free loan of up to £35,000 for essential home repairs. Authorities set their own eligibility criteria.

Local authorities also administer help with home improvements in Scotland – this help is known as a Scheme of Assistance. Constituents should contact their local authority to find out what help is available.

Discretionary help with home improvement work in Northern Ireland is administered by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive website provides more information about the grants available.

If discretionary help is not available homeowners may consider financing the work themselves. The HomeOwners Alliance has webpage with information on various options: How To Finance Home Improvements – HomeOwners Alliance.

Disabled Facilities Grants are available for those who need to adapt their home due to a disability in England and Wales. Subject to eligibility criteria, including a means-test in cases where the adaptation is not for a child, the grants are mandatory.

Applications should be made to the local authority. There is more information on the GOV.UK website (disabled facilities grants).

Help with home improvements – Citizens Advice