What is your lease?
Your lease is a legally binding document that deals with all the legalities of your property. It sets out the rights and responsibilities for both you as the leaseholder and PA Housing as the freeholder or head lesse.
We recommend you seek your own independent legal advice if you have specific questions about the details of your lease, however we are happy to answer any general questions where possible.
Making changes to your home
You can choose how you decorate and furnish your home but we'll need to give you permission if you want to make any improvements or alterations.
This could include things such as:
- Putting in a new bathroom or kitchen
- Changing the central heating
- Replacing internal doors
Certain things may not be allowed – like internal structural changes. We may not be able to let you knock down a wall, change the exterior or build into a loft space/basement. We may not allow laminate or wooden flooring either because it's so much noisier for your neighbours than carpet. Please check your lease to see what flooring you can have.
Permission for a pet
If you're thinking of getting a furry friend, please get in touch with us first.
We can provide all the information you need about keeping a pet at home.
We cannot always give written permission to keep pets, so you must check with us first. It's worth getting in touch as soon as you plan to get a pet.
Repairs responsibilities at your home
We'll repair and maintain the shared areas of your building - like the hallways, corridors, stairs and outside spaces.
You're responsible for any maintenance or repairs inside your property.
Gas safety
As a home owner it is your responsibility to have your gas appliances checked and serviced every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
If your gas appliance has not been checked for 12 months it could become unsafe and you might be in breach of your lease.
Buildings Insurance
PA Housing is responsible for buildings insurance cover on leasehold and shared ownership properties under our management.
The insurance is provided as part of PA Housing’s block policy. Leaseholders can contact the insurer directly to make a claim under the buildings insurance cover.
You can request a copy of the Summary of Cover from us. If you require a copy of the full policy, we can send one to you a fee may be payable.
What is a Section 20 notice?
A Section 20 notice is issued by the landlord to the Leaseholders for one of two reasons; to notify tenants of their intention to carry out works; or to notify the tenants of their intention to enter into a long-term agreement for services at the property.
Selling and making changes to your lease
Find out how to make changes to your lease agreement including extending the lease and name change and information on selling, staircasing and remortgaging your home.
Learn more
