Your responsibility for repairs

Most leaseholders will buy their home on a “full repairing lease”. This means you have total responsibility for keeping your home in good repair, even if you have only bought a part share.

House owners are responsible for both the inside of their home and the structure. If you live in a flat you are still responsible for the repairs inside your home, however we will normally maintain the structure of the building and the common areas and recoup the costs from you through a service charge.

If you have a private garden, you must keep it tidy and free from rubbish. You may also be responsible for areas of landscaping that lie outside the walls and fences around your home and are not obviously part of your property: you need to check the terms of your lease.

The lease plan shows the boundaries of your property. Check if there are any conditions. For example, it may be a planning requirement that certain areas are kept open plan, turfed or planted.

An inward facing “T” on the lease plan shows the fences or other boundaries that are your responsibility. If you wish to put up additional fencing, you will need our consent and may also need planning permission.

Precise details of repairing responsibilities are in your lease. If you have any queries, please contact your Homeownership Officer.