Secure tenants can apply for compensation for certain improvements they have carried out to their homes since 1 April 1994. 

An application can be made by the tenant within 28 days before, or 14 days after, the end of the tenancy. 

A qualifying person (tenants who may claim compensation) can be: 

• the tenant that made the improvement 
• anyone who became a tenant jointly with the improving tenant 
• a person succeeding to the tenancy on the death of the improving tenant 
• assignees who would have qualified to succeed to the tenancy if the tenant had died 
• a spouse or former spouse, cohabitant or former cohabitant to whom the tenancy was assigned or transferred by a court order following a relationship breakdown 

The list below shows the qualifying improvement (works the tenant may claim for) and the notional life span in years: 

• bath or shower - 12 years
• wash hand basin -12 years
• toilet - 12 years
• kitchen sink - 10 years 
• storage cupboards in bathroom or kitchen - 10 years
• work surfaces for food preparation - 10 years
• space or water heating - 12 years
• thermostatic radiator valves - 7 years
• insulation of pipes, water tank or cylinder - 10 years
• loft insulation - 20 years
• cavity wall insulation - 20 years
• draught proofing of external doors or windows - 8 years
• double glazing or other external window replacement of glazing - 20 years
• rewiring or the provision of power and lighting or other electrical fittings (including smoke detectors) - 15 years
• security measures (excluding burglar alarm systems) - 10 years

The tenant can claim compensation for: 

• the cost of materials (but not appliances such as a cooker or a fridge) 
• labour costs (but not DIY) 

The tenant can get up to a total of £3,000 for any one improvement, but will not get any compensation if the cost is below £50. The amount of compensation will depend on the age and condition of the improvement when the claim is made.