Free online leaseholder information sessions

Simply use your smartphone, tablet or computer to log on to Zoom and listen to expert advice and information at the following times:

The first session will take place on Tuesday 2 February 2021 between 6pm and 8pm and will cover repair responsibilities and major works.

The next session will be live on Zoom on Wednesday 3 February 2021 between 6pm and 8pm providing expert advice and explanations on estimating and finalising service charge accounts along with information on lease extensions.

If you would like to take part in one or both of these Zoom sessions and have a question you would like answered on the night simply call 023 8083 3185 or send us an email. If you’re not familiar or confident with Zoom, just let us know and we will send you a step-by-step guide of how to use this video conference app. 

If you’re a leaseholder in a council neighbourhood, please read our guide below for answers to common questions: 

What is a leaseholder? 

You are a leaseholder if you have bought a flat in a building owned by the council either through the Right to Buy scheme or on the open market.

What are service charges?

All leaseholders must pay us a service charge to cover things like repairs and maintenance, lighting and cleaning in communal areas, concierge and door-entry systems, grounds maintenance and buildings insurance.

When are service charges paid and how are they calculated?

As a leaseholder, you will receive a statement in March showing your estimated monthly service charges for the next 12 months. Your statement shows what we predict the costs will be for the year ahead. We send out your statement in March as the financial year runs from 1 April to 31 March. You can choose to pay your service charge in full in advance or pay monthly. 

At the end of the financial year, our Leasehold Services team start working out the exact amount spent on services, maintenance and repairs, and by the end of September we will write to you again with a final statement showing the actual costs. If charges were over or underestimated, your account will be credited or debited accordingly. In November last year, Leasehold Services start mapping out the estimated service charges for the next financial year.

Major works

If major repairs, decorations or modernisation works are going to be carried out in your block we will let you know the estimated cost of your share in advance (it’s a good idea to start putting money aside when you receive this estimate). We will send you an invoice for the final costs when the work is completed. If you have a query about costs or you can’t afford to pay in full get in touch to ask about setting up a payment plan.

What are leaseholders responsible for?

Although your service charge covers the communal and external areas, you are responsible for the repair and upkeep of the fixtures and fittings inside your home.  Remember you must ask permission before you make certain improvements or alterations to your home – check out our online permission guide for details.

Here to help

Our Leaseholder Services team are on hand to help with any leaseholder queries. Please get in touch by email or call 023 8083 2337 (phonelines are open Tuesday and Thursday mornings between 9am and 12pm).