Lewisham Homes offers various levels of advice and financial support for leaseholders which is detailed in this section.
Your obligations as a Leaseholder
How we consulted with you about the works
Ensuring the works are completed to an agreed standard
When to pay for Major Works to you property
How to access support in paying Major Works charges
If you are struggling to pay for Major Works charges
Your obligations as a Leaseholder
As part of your lease you are obliged to contribute towards the costs of any major works to your property. We are obliged to consult with you before any works take place in order for you to contribute your views on the works. You will have the opportunity to buy into internal works to your property as part of the programme.
Your Resident Liaison Officer can discuss this with you.
I live in the north
I live in the south
How we consulted with you about the works
Lewisham Homes was keen to ensure that all of our residents were given the opportunity to shape our Major Works Programme. Lewisham Homes consulted with you about the major works taking place to your property in the followingways:
- a Notice of Intention (NOI) outlining the works was sent to you in December 2009 and you were given 30 days to submit your comments on
the works; - the second stage, called a Notice of proposed works was sent to you in October 2010. This gave you information about the proposed contractor and invited you to submit your comments. Two open sessions were held at Lewisham Town Hall.
Following the first two stages, we will write to leaseholders at least 30 days before works begin on their building with detailed information about the worksand provide estimates of cost. You will have 30 days to provide your comments.
Ensuring the Major Works are completed to the agreed standard
You have the opportunity to sign off major works that have taken place to you home and shared areas. If you would like to take part in this opportunity please contact the Leasehold Team.
When to pay the Major Works charges for your property
Major Works bills will be invoiced on an estimated basis after the works start to your building. The Leasehold team will write to you to request payment forthe works and offer various payment options. When the works are complete we will amend your account to show the final costs of the works.
How to access support in paying Major Works charges
The Leasehold team can provide you with support and information to help you choose the right re payment method for you. For resident leaseholders this includes:
- interest free payment periods of up to 36 months depending on the costs
of the works; - service charge loans provided by Lewisham Council;
- if you are claiming certain benefits, the Leasehold team can help you to access assistance with your housing costs;
It is important that you read all the information sent to you from the Leasehold team and contact a Leasehold Caseworker to discuss your options
If you are struggling to pay for your Major Works charges
Please contact Leasehold Services straight away. You can discuss your individual circumstances over the phone, or in person. Home visits can be arranged if you are unable to come to the office for health reasons. We will assist you in identifying benefits that you may be entitled to claim and work with you to calculate an amount that you can afford to pay. We will also discuss with you how you could reduce the amount you need to borrow and in turn reduce the interest that you pay.
0800 028 2 028 or 020 8613 4000 (ask for the Leasehold Team)
leaseholdlewishamhomes.org.uk
