Frequently Asked Questions

Who is responsible for making a building insurance claim?

Can I sub-let my leasehold property?

I cannot pay my service charges, what can I do?

Are the charges I am being asked to pay subsidising the tenants?

Can I have pets?

Are repair costs covered by my Service Charges?

I have paid too much to my Leasehold account, can I have a refund?

I have paid too much to my Leasehold Property?

Who is responsible for repairs to the windows of my Leasehold Property?

Who is responsible for making a building insurance claim?

In all cases, the Leaseholder will be required to make the claim directly. Don't delay it is a condition of the policy that claims are made, in writing, as soon as possible after the event. The Leaseholder is responsible for arranging their own insurance to cover the contents of their home and they may find it useful to make sure the contents insurance also covers damage to decorative surfaces and accidental damage to window glass.

Can I sub-let my Leasehold property?

As long as there are no restrictions within the Lease, a Leasehold property can be sub-let. However, it is important that Weymouth & Portland Housing is provided with a forwarding contact address for the Leaseholder. This will ensure the Leaseholder is kept up to date and informed, and that all necessary information and documentation reaches them. The Leaseholder is responsible for the conduct of their tenant(s) and will be invoiced and held responsible for all Service Charges and other costs involved in enforcing the conditions of the lease. Please remember the Lease is a contract between the Leaseholder and Weymouth and Portland Housing.

I cannot pay my service charges, what can I do?

If you are unable to or are experiencing difficulty in paying the requested Service Charges or any recharge costs applied to your Leasehold account, you need to contact the Leasehold Advisor Dawn Dalkins as soon as possible.

Are the charges I am being asked to pay subsidising the tenants?

No, your lease states the proportion of any work that you must pay. It will be based on either the number of flats in the block or the size of the property. For example, if the flat is in a block of four, you would normally pay 25% of any costs.

Can I have pets?

In most cases this is normally allowed in relation to the size of the flat and the pet, however you should contact your Area Housing Officer for further advice and guidance. Under the terms of the lease you will be expected to look after your pets in a responsible way. You will be asked to re-home any animal that does cause a nuisance.

Are repairs costs covered by my Service Charges?

No, Services Charges do not cover the costs for repairs to the building structure, communal areas or individual properties, these are recharged separately. Service charges cover payments that affect the whole block. These are split between all residents according to the lease and can include grounds maintenance, buildings insurance (but not contents insurance), cost of caretaking/cleaning, communal lighting, ground rent, communal door entry and TV aerials where applicable.

I have paid too much to my Leaseholders account, can I have a refund?

Yes, if you have paid too much or have a credit on your Leasehold account you can request a refund or you may choose to carry forward the excess towards the charges for the following year. Please contact your Leasehold Advisor Dawn Dalkins who will advise you what to do.

Can I make alterations to my Leasehold property?

You have the right to make alterations to the interior of your flat, so long as you do not remove structural walls, cause damage to or alter the exterior or shared parts of the building. Under the terms of your lease, you are required to obtain the Company’s permission before making any major alterations to your property. An application for permission must be made in writing to your Area Housing Officer enclosing copies of any plans, drawings or diagrams that help explain what you want to do. You may also need other permissions, such as planning permission or building regulations approvals. As the freeholder the Company can decide under the terms of the lease whether or not to grant permission.

Who is responsible for repairs to the windows of my Leasehold Property?

The Leaseholder is responsible for all repairs to the windows within their property. This includes glass and double glazed units, hinges, vents, handles and any other window furniture.

For a full list outlining repairs responsibilities please refer to our Leaseholders Handbook.