Your responsibilities
Major work and improvements
In addition to your annual service charges it may be necessary for Derby Homes to undertake some major works or improvements to your block.
Major Works and improvements could include:
- Roof renewal
- Re-pointing
- Replacement door entry system
- Internal or external communal painting
Consultation
When we are proposing to carry out any major works or improvements to your block we will consult with you according to the Landlord and Tenant Act.
We must consult with leaseholders when we propose any major works or improvements to their block where the total cost of these works will exceed £250.
We must also consult with leaseholders when we are proposing to enter into a long-term agreement with a company where the annual charge to any one leaseholder for that service exceeds £100.
Length of consultation
30 days – Work that costs over £250 completed by a contractor we have a long term agreement with.
60days - Work that costs over £250 completed by a contractor we do not have a long term agreement with.
If we do not consult with leaseholders we are limited to recharging a maximum of £250 for any major repair or improvement and £100 a year for a long-term agreement.
Repair responsibilities
Derby City Council repair responsibilities include:
- The main structure of the building, foundations, roof, walls, communal doors and communal areas
- Cisterns, tanks, drains, gutters, pipes and wires – except those that are for your sole use in your flat
- Communal areas and items such as communal lighting, corridors, door entry systems
- Repainting common areas
Derby Homes carries these out on behalf of the council. To report a communal repair, contact our Customer Service Team.
You are responsible for the repairs and maintenance within your own property.
This includes:
- internal repair and decoration of your flat
- window glass
- television points
- window catches, letterboxes and locks
- plasterwork
- servicing your own gas appliances by a registered gas safe engineer on a yearly basis
- electrical repair checks to be carried out by a registered and qualified electrician such as NICEIC
You will pay your proportion of the cost of the cleaning through your annual service charges.
Right to Enter
Derby City Council has a right to enter a leaseholders flat after giving reasonable notice. The exception is in the case of an emergency where access may be needed immediately, such as to carry out repairs as part of its responsibilities for the rest of the block. An example of this would be to stop a leak that is affecting other properties. The council has a right to recover the cost of carrying out these repairs from the leaseholder.
Where emergency access is required to an empty flat, a member of staff will attend the break-in or the police will be notified. The leaseholder will receive written notification of the work carried out.
Permission to carry out alterations
If you would like to alter the appearance of your flat in any way, for example replacing windows and doors, you must first get permission from the council. You should put your request in writing and send it for the attention of the leasehold manager.
If we agree with your proposal we will confirm our decision in writing and you will be issued with a permit giving you permission to carry out the work.
It may also be necessary for you to obtain Planning or Building Control Approval for any major alterations.