How will Decent Homes works affect leaseholders?
The decent homes requirements do not make the council responsible for work to leaseholders’ homes beyond what is required in the lease. So for instance, the council is not responsible for upgrading kitchens and bathrooms in leaseholders’ homes. Equally, leaseholders will only be liable to pay for works to the fabric of the building and the common parts as required in the lease, and will not be liable to contribute to the cost of internal works to tenanted homes.
Examples of works that would affect leaseholders:
Window and door replacement to dwellings and communal areas – if leaseholders already have approved upvc windows they will be required to contribute to the cost of the replacement of any communal windows and doors only.
Communal area repairs including staircase works, footpaths and environmental works, painting
- Roofing repairs/replacement including soffits, fascias and guttering
- Security such as door entry systems
- Insulation works
Examples of works leaseholders will not be entitled to?
- Kitchen improvements
- Bathroom improvements
- Central Heating installation
- Any other internal property improvements
When will leaseholders be told the cost to them of the works?
Once a survey of the block has been completed leaseholders will receive a section 20 notice. This will be in advance of works starting and will tell them the leaseholders estimated contribution to the works and the landlord’s reasons for doing them.
Once leaseholders have been sent the section 20 notice leaseholders have 30 days to make any written observations to the Investment Services Group. If leaseholders wish to see further details such as the specifications of the works they can contact the Leasehold Management Team who will make suitable arrangements.
Our Investment Team will respond to written observations within 21 days.
What payment options are currently available for leaseholders?
Leaseholders will not be required to pay for the works until they have been completed and an invoice sent to them.