Leaseholder FAQs
Here you will find answers to many of the frequently asked questions we get from our leaseholders.
- What is a block charge?
- What are actual service charges?
- What is the First Tier Tribunal?
- Can I replace my existing windows?
- Why should I pay for bulk rubbish to be collected?
- What are estimated service charges?
- How do I know if the service charges for homeowners are reasonable?
- Do I have a separate major works account?
- When can I expect to be consulted about work to be carried out to the property or estate?
- If I do not agree with my service charges do I have to pay them?
- If I have an issue regarding any service I receive from Gateway, how do I raise it?
- When will I receive my estimated service charge?
- What dates does the financial year run from and to?
- How is the decision made on who should do the work?
- Where can I obtain independent financial advice?
- What is an estate charge?
- Can I sublet my flat?
- Is there any limit to the costs of major repairs and maintenance?
- How do I get a breakdown of my service charges?
- Can I keep pets?
Is there any limit to the costs of major repairs and maintenance?
Generally, there are no limits (unless the repairs or maintenance were funded wholly or partly by certain Government or Homes and Communities Agency funds). However, if you purchased under the Right to Buy or Right to Acquire schemes, there are limits during the first five years for repairs and improvements and general repairs, and for the first ten years for structural repairs. These were detailed in your offer notice which you received when you applied to buy your home. During these first five years we cannot charge more than the amounts we estimated for itemised repairs and improvements (after allowing for inflation). Unless you were advised of itemised structural defects in your building before you bought your home from us, you will not have to contribute towards the cost of putting right that defect during the first ten years.