Major works are carried out as part of a programme to improve the standard of properties and estates across Darlington.
For leaseholders, this target will mean that the council will have to improve the standard of the structure and shared areas of blocks where you live.
Leaseholder Contributions To Major Work
As a leaseholder you will be expected to contribute towards the cost of work in keeping with the requirements of your lease.
As the managing agent, we have a responsibility to consult you about any works or service to your building or estate where you are likely to contribute more than:
- £250 for works, such as external decoration and repairs and/or
- £100 in any one year for each and every service, such as the cost of servicing a new lift
How will I be kept informed about the works?
For any proposed capital works project, you'll receive two separate formal notice, and in some cases three:
- Stage 1 - Notice of Intent - sets out the landlords' proposed works
- Stage 2 - Provision of Leaseholders' Estimates - sets out your contribution towards the work
- Award of Contract - tells you which contractor we have selected to do the work
At each stage, you will have the right to make comments on our proposed works, which we then have to consider and respond to.
When Major Works are required to your block, such as lift installation, cavity wall insulation, window replacement or rewiring communal areas, we will confirm in writing:
- The details of the proposed works
- The estimated amount that you will be charged
- When the works are expected to start.
Your share of the cost of these works will be included as part of your service charge. Your share will usually depend on the number of flats in your block. For example, if you live in a multi-storey block of 100 flats and a new lift is installed at a total cost of £100,000, as a leaseholder your charge would be £100,000 divided by 100, which is £1,000.
Please be aware that charges for Major Works can be high for schemes such as lift replacements, re-cladding or roof renewals.
If you would like a better idea of what these charges can be, please contact the Customer Contact Centre on 01325 388542 or email them customerservices@darlington.gov.uk