Per the lease agreement, alterations of any kind require the written permission of Durham Non-Profit Housing. Also outlined in the lease agreement is the requirement for all alterations to be restored to move-in condition prior to a tenant vacating the premises.

Examples of alterations include, but are not limited to, the installation of fencing, satellite dishes, Internet cable, central air conditioning, dishwashers, clotheslines, alarm systems, screen doors, gas dryers and stoves, additional locks or locking systems, wallpaper and border, carpet and tile, and painting.

The installation of peel and stick tiles is also not recommended. Given that the tiles must be removed prior to vacating the premises, it has been found that these tiles leave a residue on the existing floor tiles that cannot be removed. This results in a new tile floor having to be laid at the former tenant's expense. Therefore, before requesting permission to make alterations to your unit, you should consider the time and expense of restoring the unit prior to move out.

Tenants wishing to change electrical fixtures in their unit should have a professional do the work. The Corporation has, on many occasions, had to call in an electrical contractor to correct problems created by an improperly installed ceiling fan. Such costs are charged back to the tenant.

The Corporation will not approve alterations to the structure of the building or the electrical system, i.e. the electrical panel within a unit.