Major works

What are major works?

Major works are large items of repair or improvements and generally covers things such as repairing the structure of a building, refurbishing a lift, replacing a roof or windows. The council is under a statutory obligation to charge leaseholders a proportion of the costs of any major works carried out.

Will I be consulted about major works?

The council has a legal duty to consult with leaseholders. We must consult you about any works or services to your building or estate where you are likely to contribute more than:

• £250 per leaseholder for works to the building such as external decorations and/or
• £100 per leaseholder per year in respect of any long term agreement, for example, your annual block maintenance charge.

Will I have to pay for major works?

When you buy your home you will be given details and costs you will need to pay for all the major works the council intends to carry in the first five years of becoming a leaseholder.

During these five years, you will not have to pay any more than the amount detailed in your section 125 notice, plus an allowance for inflation.

If any further works are undertaken after the five-year period, you will be charged a proportion of the costs.

Once you are aware of any proposed major works affecting your home, you should start making provision to pay for your share of the cost. This will help you to avoid difficulties in paying when you are invoiced for any major works.

How do I pay for major works?

For more information on how to pay charges for major works, or the various payment options offered by the council, contact the incomes team or download our payments guide here.

Contact us & further information

For more information about consultation on major works, please contact the Major Works Team on 020 7364 3680, or email housing@towerhamlets.gov.uk

If you are over 60 or have a disabled person in your household, read about the house-proud scheme to see if you qualify for payment assistance.

What happens if the council wants to decant my block?

If your home is given ‘decant’ status, as a leaseholder, you can sell your home to the council and you will be given help finding somewhere else to live.

The council will make sure that you are compensated for the loss of your home and that the payments made to you represent fair compensation.

Depending on your circumstances you may be able to apply for additional compensation such as home loss or disturbance payments.

For more information, contact the council’s housing regeneration team on 020 7364 7065.

Pid No: 144