We’re here to make your homeownership journey as smooth and supported as possible. Whether you’re a leaseholder or shared owner, this page gives you the essentials, your rights, responsibilities, and how we’re here to help.

A leaseholder is someone who owns a property on a leasehold basis. This means you have purchased the right to live in your property for a set number of years, but we retain ownership of the land and communal areas. Your lease agreement outlines your rights and responsibilities, as well as those of us.

A Shared Owner is someone who buys a share of a home, usually between 25% and 75%, and pays rent on the remaining share, which is owned by a housing provider like us. It’s a great way to get on the property ladder if buying outright isn’t affordable.

You can increase your share over time through a process called staircasing, and in most cases, you can eventually own 100% of your home.

Shared ownership is designed to be flexible and affordable, helping more people enjoy the benefits of homeownership.

• Leaseholder? You own the right to live in your home for a set number of years, but we own the building and land.
• Shared Owner? You own a share of your home and pay rent on the rest. You can buy more shares over time (this is called staircasing).

Your lease is a legal contract, keep it safe and refer to it often. If you need a copy, contact us or the Land Registry.

• Keep your home in good condition
• Pay your service charges and ground rent
• Get permission before making structural changes
• Be a good neighbour, no nuisance or anti-social behaviour
• Allow access for inspections or repairs

We want to make it easy for you to understand what you’re responsible for, and what we take care of. Here’s a breakdown to help you stay on top of your home’s upkeep.

Your Responsibilities

As a leaseholder or shared owner, you’re generally responsible for:

The inside of your home, including:

• Plumbing (e.g. taps, sinks, baths, toilets)
• Heating systems and boilers
• Electrical wiring and appliances
• Internal doors, walls, ceilings, and flooring
• Kitchen and bathroom fittings
• Windows and glazing (check your lease for specifics)
• Pest control inside your home
• Keeping your home in good decorative order
• Annual gas safety checks (with a Gas Safe registered engineer)
• Reporting any issues that could affect other homes or the building

Shared owners with a new lease? You may be eligible for a 10-year Initial Repair Period, which includes:

• Up to £500 per year for essential repairs
• Cover for structural and external repairs (walls, floors, ceilings, stairs)

Our Responsibilities

We’re responsible for maintaining and repairing:

• The structure and exterior of the building
• Communal areas (e.g. hallways, stairwells, shared gardens)
• Shared services like:
• Communal lighting
• Door entry systems
• TV aerials
• Shared water and drainage systems
• Major works (e.g. roof replacements, external painting)
• Fire safety equipment in communal areas

We’ll always consult you before carrying out major works that cost over £250 per leaseholder.

Reporting Repairs

If the issue is in a communal area or something we’re responsible for, contact us

What If Repairs Are Needed Inside My Home?

We don’t carry out internal repairs to leasehold or shared ownership homes, but we may need access in emergencies to prevent damage to other properties or the building. If we do, you’ll be responsible for any repairs to your own home afterward.

• Cover the cost of maintaining shared areas and services
• Calculated annually and reviewed by an independent accountant
• May include a contribution to a sinking fund for major works
• Payable by Direct Debit, Standing Order, card, cheque, or barcoded invoice

If you’re struggling to pay, please contact us early. We’re here to help.

We’ll always consult you before carrying out major works or entering long-term contracts. You’ll receive:

• A notice of intention
• A chance to comment or nominate contractors
• A breakdown of costs and how we chose the contractor

Selling Your Home

Thinking of moving on? You can sell your leasehold or shared ownership home at any time. Here’s how it works:

• Leaseholders: You can sell your home on the open market. Your buyer will take over the remainder of your lease.
• Shared Owners: You’ll need to get a RICS-qualified valuation and let us know you’re planning to sell. We’ll have a short period (usually 4–8 weeks, depending on your lease) to find a buyer. If we can’t, you’re free to sell on the open market.

You’ll need to cover:

• Valuation and legal fees
• Any outstanding rent or service charges
• Our admin fee for processing the sale

We’ll guide you through every step, from valuation to completion.

Staircasing – Buying More of Your Home

Want to own more of your home? You can buy additional shares over time, this is called staircasing.

• Usually done in 10% or 25% chunks
• With the new model lease, you can buy 1% per year for the first 15 years
• The more you own, the less rent you pay, and once you reach 100%, you won’t pay any rent at all

What you’ll need:

• A RICS valuation
• A solicitor
• Mortgage approval (if needed)

We’ll confirm the cost of the extra shares and adjust your rent once the purchase is complete.

Subletting Your Property

• Leaseholders: If you bought through Right to Buy or Right to Acquire, you can sublet—but you must notify us within one month.
• Shared Owners: Subletting is generally not allowed unless you own 100% of your home. In exceptional cases, we may grant temporary permission—please speak to us first.

If you sublet:

• You’re still responsible for your property, tenants, and service charges
• You must meet the conditions of our buildings insurance policy
• You must provide us with up-to-date contact details

• Arranged by us and included in your service charge
• Covers structural damage (not your contents, please arrange your own contents insurance)
• Claims must be submitted by you, but we’re here to support

You can also claim contents insurance through our partner, RSA

There are lots of ways you can get involved:

Attend Leaseholder Meetings
We hold regular meetings where you can hear updates, ask questions, and share your views.

Take Part in Consultations
Whether it’s about major works, service changes, or neighbourhood improvements, your feedback helps shape decisions.

Join Estate Inspections
Walk your neighbourhood with our team and help us spot what’s working, and what needs attention.

Become a part of our Customer Influence Committee
Represent your community and help us improve services from the inside out.

Share Your Ideas
Got a suggestion for how we can do better? We’re all ears. Your ideas help us grow and improve.