Taking ownership of windows

ahfat41

Has anybody taking over ownership of their windows with the council as a freeholder? Have checked online and seems a hassle. It’s better for the council to do when major works are scheduled but this might be a long wait. Thanks

eddddy

Are you still talking about the flat you mentioned in this post? 
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6608639/section-20

If so, you said that a section 20 consultation has already started for the window replacement work.

More generally, why don't you want to wait for the council to replace the windows?

ahfat41

Section 20 is for replacement of fire doors. The windows are single glazed and rotten frames. Not sure when will the council comes round to replace them. Just considering my options.

eddddy

If the windows are rotten, the leaseholder should tell the council that they need replacing now.

But I guess you could ask the council for consent to replace them yourself (and pay for the replacement). You could try asking the council's leasehold team whether they are likely to give consent.

If they allow it, I suspect they will put strict conditions on the design and type of windows, and the contractors you use to fit them. 

One concern might be if you fit new windows now, and the council fit new windows in the other 3 flats later, the council might want your windows to be an identical design to their windows (so that the windows in the block look consistent).


But if you do this, you'd probably still be responsible for contributing to the cost of replacing the windows in the other 3 flats.

ahfat41

Islington council allow leaseholder to take ownership of windows but it is such a hassle. It’s better to wait when they do decide to replace all the windows in that block. Will get solicitor to tell the council about the rotten windows and when will they be replaced. Surveyirvestimated £10,000 but with the council it might be double. Thanks