Repairs

Who is responsible for repairs?

As a shared owner, you are responsible for maintaining and repairing your home, regardless of the share you own. This includes day-to-day maintenance and internal repairs, as set out in your lease. 

Your lease is the legal document that confirms these responsibilities. If you’re unsure what applies to you, contact us and we’ll help explain it.

The new shared ownership model – essential repairs allowance

Some shared ownership homes are sold under the new shared ownership model.
If your home is covered by this model, you may be able to claim up to £500 per year towards essential repairs for a set period. Your lease will confirm whether this applies to you.

What is the essential repairs allowance?

If your home is eligible, the allowance:

• is available for a limited number of years (set out in your lease)
• can be used towards the cost of essential repairs
• is claimed after you have paid for the repair
• is capped at £500 per year, even if the repair costs more

The allowance is there to help with certain unavoidable repairs — it does not replace your responsibility to maintain and repair your home.

What counts as an “essential repair”?

Essential repairs are specific types of repair set out in the new shared ownership lease.

In general, they relate to repairs that:

• are necessary to keep the home safe, secure or functioning properly
• are not cosmetic improvements
• are not part of routine decoration or maintenance

How to claim the allowance

If your home is eligible and you need to make an essential repair:

1. Arrange and pay for the repair yourself
2. Keep all invoices, receipts and evidence
3. Submit a claim using the claim form
4. We’ll review your claim and confirm whether it meets the criteria

We may ask for:

• invoices or receipts
• photos
• details of the contractor used