Changing windows in a leasehold flat

devman2001

Hi all

I have an ex-council flat in Essex that needs its windows replacing - it has a mixture of the original 1960's original wooden framed ones (which are relatively solid but crusty around the edges, and the French doors don't close properly on their bolts), and single glazed UPVC ones which I'm assuming are early 1980's. 

The flat suffers badly with condensation on the windows, infestations of silverfish and ladybirds, and draughts at this time of year, causing me to keep the electric heaters on which is obviously costing the earth. 

Harlow Council claims in the lease documents and on their website the following - 

Council responsibilities

As the landlord, we are responsible for maintaining the structure of your building and any common areas. As a leaseholder, you contribute your share of these costs.

The exact responsibilities for repairs and maintenance will vary depending on your lease. As a guide, we are usually responsible for:

• roofs and gutters
  
• external doors
• external fixtures, fittings and equipment
• window frames and external painting
  

So does this mean the council will replace said windows? Any advice how I go about this or would I need to speak to a solicitor? 

Many thanks in advance

Dave

another_casualty

What normally happens in a lot of ex council flats is that the council decide when to replace all respective windows  in the block . This would have to be paid for by the leaseholder ( you !) . The bill would probably not be cheap . It would be an added bill to your service charge . 

Maybe it's worth chatting to some neighbours who are leaseholders like yourself ?

devman2001

I did suspect this had previously been done - there are 8 blocks of flats - 56 flats in total and mine is the only one that hasn't had them replaced. I've no idea why that would be the case, or why individual windows have been replaced. 

Ectophile

The first thing you need to do is to check what your lease actually says.  Leases do usually say that windows are maintained as part of the building, but when I lived in a flat, my lease explicitly stated that windows were the responsibility of the tenants.

Bendy_House

This is an ex-council flat? Who is the current freeholder?

devman2001

So it was ex council rental but they presumably sold it off at some point and it’s still Harlow Council who are hold the lease. I’m going from memory, but it says they are responsible for frames, and I’m responsible for glass. 

Bendy_House

Thanks.

How much maintenance do you pay each month or year? If in the order of £ks per annum, then you should hopefully have the window replacement covered; they (should) be building up a fund reserve to cover such things.

They might, tho', still expect a %-age contribution, since it's now privately owned.

I think you just need to ask them. And then seek advice if you think it's a mick-take.

Do you have LP on your contents insurance? They'll give you advice.

devman2001

It’s not mega money being council owned, just over the £100 mark. I’ve gone through all their website and all I can find is details for paying them to approve window fitters, but can’t really afford to go down that route. 

Yeah was thinking of approaching them first, just thought I’d reach out on here for advice first, I’m sure I’m not the first person in this situation. 

devman2001

(£100 a month obviously)

devman2001

And sorry - LP?

TadleyBaggie

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