Leaseholders

We understand you may want to make your home just the way you like it. Before you start any work, be sure to check your lease to see if you need permission from us.

You’ll need our permission for things like:

• Replacing windows or external doors
• Installing central heating
• Removing or building new walls or chimney breasts
• Laying a driveway
• Building a conservatory
• Replacing your kitchen or bathroom
• Replacing flat front doors (which must be fire-rated with a door closer)

In addition to our permission, you might also need building control approval or planning permission from your local council.

If you make changes without getting written permission first, it could be a breach of your lease. If any unauthorised work is done or not completed to the right standards, we may need to return the property to its original condition at your cost.

To apply for permission for alterations please contact us and ask about the process.

As a leaseholder, you're responsible for the gas appliances in your home. For gas servicing, we’ve partnered with K&T Heating, who offer competitive rates.

To arrange a service, simply contact K&T Heating at 020 8269 4500. There is also more information on their website.

K&T Heating

As your freeholder, we usually provide building insurance (unless it states differently in your lease). You then pay your share of their through you service charge.

There have been changes in how we calculate this. Head to our building insurance page to find detailed information about your building insurance.

Building insurance

 

Updating us with your information

Your claim may be impacted if you don't let us know about any changes to the property. Please let us know if:

• You no longer live in the property (subletting requires formal permission)
• You have made internal and/or external changes to the property (permission required)

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 sure you have your own home contents insurance. 

If you wish to make a claim under the buildings insurance, contact our insurer, Protector Insurance, at claims@protectorinsurance.co.uk or 0161 823 4810.

The Right to Manage (RTM) gives some leaseholders the ability to take control of managing their building—without needing approval from THCH.

If you and other leaseholders choose to exercise this right, you'll be able to take over certain responsibilities, like:

• Collecting and managing the service charge
• Maintaining communal areas (e.g., hallways and stairs)
• Looking after the building’s structure (e.g., the roof)
• Handling complaints from other leaseholders

We recommend contacting the Leasehold Advisory Service to see if you qualify.

Leasehold Advisory Service

As it details above, as a leaseholder you are responsible for fire safety equipment.

This means you must install and maintain smoke alarms in your home. You must:

• Test them regularly
• Replace batteries if needed
• Never remove them due to beeping

If you sublet, you remain responsible for installing and maintain the smoke alarms that are interconnected, mains powered, and equipped with a non-removable battery backup.

Your lease will tell you if you're allowed to sublet your home and the steps you need to follow to inform us or get approval.

If you're a shared owner, your lease might prevent subletting, as we need to ensure the property is your main home to protect the government funding that helped you buy it. However, in some very special situations, we may allow subletting for a limited time. These situations could include:

• Employment relocation: if you need to temporarily move for work to keep your job.
• Caring for a relative: if you’re the main carer for a close family member and need to provide full-time care (at least 30 hours a week).
• Building safety work: if your property is temporarily uninhabitable due to necessary repairs or safety work.

In these cases, we may consider subletting for up to 12 months, with the possibility of reviewing it later.

Please don't make any arrangements to sublet unless you've received our formal approval, as requests are not automatically granted.

Why do I need to request and register a sublet?

It's important to let us know if you plan to sublet your home for several reasons:

1. Lease requirements: your lease explains the steps for getting permission to sublet.
2. Knowing who lives in our properties: It helps us keep track of who is living in the building.
3. Insurance: subletting can affect property insurance, and we need to ensure everything is covered.
4. Better communication: we can keep the occupant updated on important information and any changes that may affect the property.
5. Health & safety: we can manage repairs, maintenance, and safety issues more effectively when we know who’s living in your home.

How do I register my sublet?

Leaseholders wanting to sublet should contact us before making any arrangements. We can explain the process and provide you with any necessary forms and steps to take.

Contact us

Other information about subletting

• Breaches of the lease by the tenant of the property may result in enforcement action against the leaseholder.
• Leaseholders are 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 safety etc.
• Prospective landlords should get appropriate advice on their responsibilities before letting property.
• Leaseholders are required to register every sublet if the tenant changes.
• 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.