Major works and improvements

Major works are usually substantial building programmes to maintain or improve your block, building, estate, or the area around your building.

As a leaseholder, you are responsible for paying your share for these repairs under the Section 20 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 as amended by the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002. These regulations separate the consultation procedures into four schedules, each covering different contracts.

The consultation requirements are defined under two headings:

• Qualifying work
• Qualifying long-term agreements

Works to your block and estate might include:

• window frames, but not glass
• refuse bin areas
• external walls
• communal doors and entry phones
• lifts
• decoration of external and internal communal parts
• estate roads and paths
• landscaping
• gardens (excluding private gardens).

You will be consulted before we carry out any work that will cost you more than £250. You will also be consulted about any long-term works that will go on for more than 12 months and cost you more than £100 per year. This process is your legal right and is called a Section-20 notice.

There are three steps that will be followed in all consultations.

As a leaseholder, if major works are to be carried out to your estate or block you'll be invoiced once the final cost of the works is known. This is normally within 18 months of the works being completed

In an emergency or in circumstances beyond our control, when we do not have time to consult either the leaseholders or their representatives, we may still charge you for the cost of the work. For example, the collapse of a roof or chimney, falling masonry, or a burst water main. In order to do this we will seek dispensation from the First Tier Property Tribunal and inform you of their decision.

You can pay your major works charges in a number of ways including direct debit and using your online account.

We will generally send you an invoice twelve to eighteen months after we have completed the work.

There are various payment options available for paying for major works invoices:

• If you pay the full amount within 28 days, you can receive a 5% discount
• Payment interest free over 12 months for invoices less than £1,000
• Payment interest free over 24 months for invoices over £1,000.
• Payment through a loan of 3 to 10 years (interest is applicable on all loans).

Please contact us for further information.