Up-to-date floor plans, a new policy on pets and a change in the approvals process for running a business from home have been announced.
Improved, clearer information for families ahead of moves, including photographs and floor plans, have been promised under the new SFA Consumer Charter.
Currently not all SFA properties have an up-to-date floor plan and some need a physical visit to be sure accurate plans are being used. Pinnacle will write to you in the coming weeks if your property is affected, to make an appointment for a surveyor to carry out a floor plan survey. It should take no longer than an hour. Please do allow them access because all families, including yours, will benefit when applying for SFA in the future.
For any queries please contact your local housing officer or call the Pinnacle National Service Centre on 0800 031 8628.
Pets in SFA
Families no longer need written permission from the National Service Centre (NSC) before getting new pets or bringing existing ones into their SFA.
The new policy, which came into effect on 9 August, means you only have to notify the NSC by completing an e-form.
Permission will only be needed if the number or type of pets doesn’t meet the criteria set out in the form.
Business from home policy
Following a review, applications to run a business from an SFA home were reinstated in May. But from 9 August the approvals process has changed.
It means DIO will make decisions on all applications, as opposed to individual units. The intention is to ensure approvals are consistent throughout the UK.
Personal CCTV
DIO has issued a reminder that personal CCTV footage captured from your homes (including video doorbells) is to protect your property only, not for publishing externally. Guidance on how to use domestic CCTV responsibly and legally can be found on GOV.UK
POSTED ON 19 AUGUST 2025