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Frequently Asked Questions

What is leaseholder consultation?

What the Law Says

The law says that MHT (the landlord) must consult with its leaseholders before we carry out any works which will cost any one leaseholder more than £250 or enter into a new long term service agreement with an independent contractor which will cost any one leaseholder more than £100 per year.

What the Law Means to You

MHT must tell you what works are being planned and why they are necessary. You have the opportunity to comment on the works and the right to put forward the name of a contractor. MHT must try to obtain an estimate from this contractor (please note that the contractor must meet certain requirements such as financial, health and safety, insurance and their ability to carry out the works professionally). If we do not consult then we will not be able to charge you more than £250 for works or £100 per year for a service agreement

Windows, Doors, Sheds and Stores - Who is Responsible?

If under the terms of your lease you are not responsible for the windows and doors of your flat then Maidstone Housing Trust will undertake the cyclical maintenance, repair and renewal of window frames, glass, doors and door frames with the costs involved being passed onto you. If you are responsible then you will need to undertake this maintenance.

If a shed or garden store was included in the purchase of the flat then you are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the door and door frame, window and window frame, internal walls, floor and ceiling of the shed or store. However Maidstone Housing Trust will be responsible for the structure and envelope of the building/block including the repair and maintenance of the roof, external walls, guttering and soffits with the costs involved being passed onto you.

Please note: the Trust will recover your contribution to the costs of the work by way of service charges, or for major work, by invoice.

How do I report a repair?

Any necessary/emergency repairs to the structure, exterior and communal areas of the building in which your flat is contained should be reported to the Repairs Team on Freephone 0800 923 2700. This number can also be used in an emergency out of hours.

Can I opt out of repairs and or improvements?

No, under the terms of your lease Maidstone Housing Trust is responsible for the repair, maintenance and improvement of the structure and exterior of the building in which your flat is located with the costs being passed onto the leaseholder. Responsibility for repairs and maintenance to windows and doors differs from lease to lease and you will need to check your own individual lease to confirm who is responsible for the windows and doors of your flat. Alternatively you can contact the Leaseholder Services Officerfor confirmation.

Who is responsible for plumbing in the loft?

Any plumbing that only serves a leasehold flat is the responsibility of the leaseholder. The Trust is responsible for any shared plumbing and will recharge the leaseholder for their share of the costs (charge will include VAT, fees etc)

Can I use the loft above my flat or run cables in the loft?

This would depend upon the provision of your lease and would require individual permission from the Trust.

I want to renew my kitchen / bathroom / carry out improvements. Do I need permission from the Trust?

Only if the works affect the structure or communal parts. Permission is needed for any structural alterations.

I want to carry out structural alterations, do I need permission?

Yes, the Trust will need to see your proposals. If permission is granted, you will also need to apply to Maidstone Borough Council for Building Regulations approval.

Why is your estimate for painting and repairs so high? There is hardly anything to paint.

This work is not restricted to painting alone. Other work that may be carried out, if required, could include:-

  • Painting and repairs to all internal communal areas
  • Painting and repairs to all external communal areas and the envelope (structure) of the building
  • Cleaning and repairing of gutters
  • Repair and painting of eaves, fascia boards, soffits and barge boards
  • Repair and painting of rainwater pipes (cast iron)
  • Repair and painting of porch fascia boards and guttering

In addition repairs may be required to the following and would be carried out at the same time as the above work:-

  • Roof tiles
  • Brickwork - repointed or replaced
  • Lead Flashings

This list is not exhaustive and each building is assessed for its own requirements. If scaffolding is required the cost will reflect this as scaffolding can be expensive. We have many different types of property and our estimate is based on an average property as it isn't practical to calculate a cost for each property type. However you will only be charged according to works carried out to your block.

We seek competitive tenders for all works, consulting leaseholders on the tenders in accordance with current legislation and during this consultation period you have the opportunity to give your views and nominate a contractor.

Sub-letting and Selling.

Sub-letting your flat?

If you intend to sub-let your flat please advise us of your correspondence address so we are able to keep you fully informed and updated about matters that concern your property.

Thinking of selling up and moving on?

Here are a few guidelines for a smooth transfer of ownership:

  • Your service charge must be fully up to date at the point of sale. Please ask your solicitor to contact our Legal team for a final settlement figure for your account at least seven days before completion date
  • Any sinking fund balance is transferred with the property as an asset
  • As your landlord you should inform us in advance of your intention to sell your property.

Can a leaseholder get financial help for adapting and improving their home?

Leaseholders cannot access Aids and Adaptations help from Maidstone Housing Trust, however as a private owner they are able to access all the usual private owner grants, such as Disabled Facilities Grant, Home Repairs Grant and Heating and Insulation Grant. Further information can be obtained from Private Sector Housing Department of Maidstone Borough Council on 01622 602470

date published: 06/12/2006
  • Maidstone Housing Trust Limited, 
    Whatman House, 
    St. Leonards Road, 
    Allington, 
    MAIDSTONE, 
    ME16 0LS
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