Leasehold Information

Making alterations

Throughout your lease, there are bound to be things you want to change to make your house a home. But before you get out the hammer and nails, look at your lease to find out what you need permission for. 

You'll need permission from us to:

• Replace your windows or external doors
• Install central heating
• Remove or build new walls or chimney breasts
• Lay a driveway
• Build a conservatory
• Replace your kitchen or bathroom
• Replace flat front doors (and must be a fire door with door closer)

As well as getting our permission, you may also need to get any relevant building control approval and planning permission.

If you make any improvements or alterations without first obtaining written permission you will be breaking the terms of your lease. Where permission has not been granted or works have not been carried out to suitable standards, we have the right to reinstate the property to its original condition at the expense of the leaseholder.

To apply for permission for alterations please complete the below form:

Alterations application form 

Can I sublet my home?

Your lease will let you know if you're able to sublet your home - it will also tell you how you need to let us know, and if you need approval.

If you're a Shared Owner, your lease may prohibit subletting. This means that you are unable to sublet your home. This is because we're obliged to protect the government funds provided to help you buy, by making sure the property is your main and only home. We may consider a subletting request under extremely exceptional circumstances at its absolute discretion for a limited period of time:

• Employment/job relocation – if a shared owner accepts a work secondment to a different location which requires them to temporarily relocate and they would  lose their job if the proposition is not accepted
• Caring for an immediate relative – if the shared owner is the next of kin or sole carer for a relative and needs to provide full-time care (at least 30 hours per week)
• Remedial building safety work is required on the building meaning that the property is unable to be sold or is unmortgageable

The initial period considered will be up to 12 months and timescales will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Please do not make any arrangements unless you've received our formal approval, as subletting requests are not guaranteed.

Why do I need to request and register a sublet?

• Your lease outlines the process for obtaining the necessary permission to sublet
• It's important that we know who is living in our properties
• When a property is sublet, there are implications in terms of insurance
• We can communicate better with our leaseholders and keep them up to date 
• We're able to manage health and safety, repairs and other maintenance issues more effectively

 

How do I register my sublet?

Leaseholders wanting to sublet should complete the below 'Subletting Form'. Once you've completed your application, please send it to customerservices@thch.org.uk 

Subletting form

You're also required to provide a 'Deed of Covenant' between us and the tenant to ensure that all lease terms are complied with. The fee for registering the sublet and for the drafting of the Deed of Covenant is currently £125.00 plus VAT.

Applications should enclose payment for the Registration Fee and a Deed of Covenant signed by the tenant.

 

Other things to note:

• Breaches of lease by the tenant of the property may result in enforcement action against the leaseholder
• Leaseholders remain responsible for all payments under the terms of the lease when subletting a property
• Leaseholders should seek independent advice on managing gas safety, electrical appliances, fire protection, etc
• It is recommended that prospective landlords get appropriate advice on their responsibilities before letting property
• Leaseholders are required to register every sublet should there be a change of tenant
• Leaseholders should inform any relevant mortgage lender to ensure that subletting complies with their mortgage terms
• If a property is unoccupied for more than 30 days there are insurance implications. Leaseholders should notify us in such instances.

Insuring your building

Most leases will usually state that we, your freeholder, must provide building insurance to protect the building structure and fittings. Leaseholders pay their share of this insurance through their service charge. 

Our current policy is covered by Protector Insurance. 

View the Policy Certificate 

 

Update your information

You must let us know if there are any household changes or alterations made to your home, as this may affect any claim. Please let us know if:

• You no longer live in the property (subletting requires formal permission)
• You're carrying out internal alterations (permission required)
• You have carried out any external additions with permission (e.g., conservatory)

 

Making a claim

Your insurance (included as part of your service charge) only covers the structure of your building, including fixtures and fittings. You must make your own arrangements to protect the contents of your flat and personal possessions.

If you wish to make a claim under the buildings insurance, you should in the first instance contact our insurer Protector Insurance at protectorclaims@questgates.co.uk or by telephone on 0161 823 4810