Council home leaseholders

When you buy a flat or maisonette, you buy a lease rather than the building itself. The lease gives you the right to live in your home for a set period.

Your lease explains:

• your responsibilities as a leaseholder
• our responsibilities as your landlord
• any service charges you must pay

You are responsible for maintaining everything inside your home and any services that only supply your home.

You might be taken to court and ordered to pay for any damage if you do not follow the conditions of the lease. The court may also take away your lease.

Repairs

You are responsible for repairs within your property.

You should report a repair in a shared community area, such as:

• the stairway
• halls
• bin stores

Get permission to make changes to your home

If you want to make improvements to your home, you may need permission from us.

Find out more about getting permission to make changes to your home. 

Major works

We may need to carry out larger repairs in the building such as replacing windows or the lift.

These types of major works may be payable under the terms of your lease. If you are liable to pay towards the cost, we will:

• send you a letter with a Section 20 Notice
• provide details of the work
• let you know the amount you are required to pay

Repayment options can be offered to help with costs.

Find out more about planned maintenance in your council home.

Contact us about major works

You can contact us about major works. 

Email: housingincome@woking.gov.uk 
Telephone: 0300 373 0373 
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (except public holidays)

Leaseholder support and advice

The Leasehold Advisory Service can provide advice about:

• your rights regarding major works
• being a leaseholder
• becoming a leaseholder