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Leaseholder responsibilities

Leaseholder responsibilities

Subletting and renting your property

If you are a leaseholder and you would like to rent your home to someone else, this is called subletting.

You are required to register all sublets with us by filling out our sublet registration form (.pdf, 99.7kB) and provide:

  • a copy of the tenancy agreement with your tenant
  • copies of any required safety certificates
  • we would request you have a clear service charge and/or major works account or be on a repayment plan with our Income team
  • a registration fee of £60 (including VAT)

Failure to register this with us may result in a breach of your lease and we could take legal action against you.

Existing tenancy

If an existing tenancy agreement with your tenant is renewed, you will not need to pay a further registration fee. In this case, we only require a copy of the renewal of the tenancy and a copy of the current gas safety certificate.

Changes and improvements to your home

If you wish to carry out alterations and improvements to your home, you must apply for Landlord's Consent and / or building control and planning permission before starting any work.

Some examples of the types of work that requires Landlord's Consent are:

  • installing new windows
  • replacing a boiler or central heating system
  • changing the existing internal layout
  • removing walls or creating a new opening
  • building an extension
  • replacing kitchen and bathroom units.
Request permission for home improvements

Don’t have an online account?

Creating an online account is easy and only takes a couple of minutes. All you need to get started is an email address, to use as a login. We will then send you details on how to activate your account.

To send your alteration approval request without logging in, please email: homeownership@brent.gov.uk and include the following:

  • plans of your proposed alterations
  • contact details
  • details of any permission(s) provided by Brent Planning – if applicable.

Your alteration may require a surveyor to review your proposed alteration plans at your property, and if necessary, there will be a charge of £120 inc. VAT. You will be advised of this after your email is received and processed.

Please be advised that it may take longer than 10 working days to provide you with a response.

Retrospective consent

If you have carried out alterations to your property without first gaining Landlord's Consent, you will need to make a retrospective application.

Please contact us to discuss this process and also be aware our fees are doubled.

Building insurance

In most instances, we are obliged to insure the buildings that leaseholders and shared owners live in and you pay us for providing this cover.

If there is a managing agent for your property they may provide this insurance so please check with them for confirmation. If you are unsure who insures your property, you can contact us.

How to claim

Please read the current Summary of Cover, which includes details of how to claim.

Please note: We do not insure the contents of your home and you should make your own arrangements to protect your personal possessions.

View affordable home contents insurance for further information.

Keys and fobs

You can order replacement keys and fobs for the following communal doors and windows:

  • entrance key to block
  • balcony door key
  • room door key
  • window key
Key Cost 
Entrance key to block £15 (or £20 if provided by open view)
Balcony door key

Price on application
Room door key Price on application
Window key Price on application

Order a key or fob

You can order a new key or fob through your services account in My Account.

Order a communal key or fob

Don’t have an online account?

Creating an account is easy and only takes a couple of minutes. All you need to get started is an email address, to use as a login. We will then send you details on how to activate your account.

Register to My Account

You will need to activate your tenancy or leaseholder account the first time you log in.

Fire safety

In the event of a fire 

If a fire starts in your house:

  • get out, stay out and call out the fire service on 999
  • if you are trapped, close the door of your room and use bedding, towels or clothes to block up any gaps under the door that might let in smoke or fumes
  • shout 'FIRE' from the window to attract attention and tell people to call the fire brigade.

Fire safety in tower blocks

As part of our regular maintenance work BHM does daily, monthly and annual checks on tower block housing to make sure that the appropriate fire prevention and safety measures are in place.

Brent Housing Management safety measures

Four checks we include:

  • daily checks to identify and remove any items which could block a fire escape route (including bulk rubbish)
  • monthly checks to ensure that all communal doors are in full working order and that they are fitted with a smoke seal strip to provide a barrier against fire, smoke and hot gases
  • annual checks on all smoke detection equipment
  • nnual Fire Risk Assessments in every building.

Communal areas are our responsibility. However, your help is extremely important in maintaining a safe environment for everybody. Please immediately report anything in your building which might be a fire risk.

How you can prevent a fire in your block

  • Have a safety check on your gas boiler every year - make sure you provide access to your home when your safety check is due. You will be contacted in advance.
  • Think about how old your gas and electrical appliances are, and where they are positioned - if you are not sure all your appliances are safe, please contact us to get expert advice.
  • Do not overload electrical wall sockets.
  • Keep a fire blanket in an accessible place in your kitchen.
  • Do not damage, remove or wedge open internal doors.
  • Do not use or store petroleum spirit (petrol, diesel or paraffin) or liquid propane gas cylinders in your home.
  • Do not store flammable materials in communal areas.
  • Keep fire exits and escape routes clear. This could either be a door leading from your home, a balcony walkway or any shared landing or staircase. The hall may be the only way out of your home so make sure there is nothing in the way that might slow you down in an emergency.
  • Be aware of your fire exits.
  • Do not wedge open fire doors.

Contact Leaseholder services

Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm

Phone: 0208 937 2601
Online: Online enquiries

You can use My Account to contact us at any time.