Making improvements or alterations to your leasehold property
Get information on what to do if you're a leaseholder of a former Be One Homes or Bolton Council property and would like to make improvements or alterations to your property.
If you own a property that used to be owned by Be One Homes or the council:
- This information is intended for leaseholders who own properties that used to be owned by Be One Homes or the council (for example, if the property was ever purchased from us through Right to Buy or Right to Acquire).
Whilst we’ve tried to include as much information as possible, our webpages might not cover everything. If you’d like to speak with us about your lease, please get in touch. We’re here to help.
Please note that this is just a guide and doesn’t replace your lease.
What is a leasehold, and what is a lease?
What is a leasehold?
- A leasehold is a long tenancy. It gives you the right to use and live in your home for a fixed number of years.
However, we own and are responsible for the land your house sits on. If you live in a flat, we own the structure and any shared parts of the block.
What is a lease?
- A lease is the legal document that allows the holder to occupy a property for a specific period of time.
When you buy your home, you become bound by the conditions of the lease. Your solicitor should’ve given you a copy of your lease when you bought the property and explained your rights and responsibilities, as well as our rights and responsibilities.
It contains the terms of the contractual arrangement, such as what landlord costs can be recharged to leaseholders via a service charge, any restrictions on the leaseholder’s ability to sublet or make alterations.
With regards to the lease, we are the “Landlord” and the leaseholder is the “Tenant”.
Your lease is an important legal contract, so please take time to read it and keep it in a safe place. It’s important that you keep to the conditions of your lease.
If there’s anything in your lease that you don’t understand, you should get independent legal advice. For a copy of the lease, please contact the Land Registry or the solicitor who dealt with your property purchase.
Which fees apply for leaseholders and Shared Ownership owners/leaseholders?
Which laws protect my rights as a leaseholder?
There are several laws and Acts of Parliament protecting your rights as a leaseholder.
If you’re unsure of your rights, a solicitor can advise you or you can contact the Citizens Advice Bureau. You can tap here to visit the Citizens Advice website.
The main Acts of Parliament covering leasehold tenancies are:
- Housing Act 1985
- Housing Act 1996
- Landlord and Tenants Act 1985 and 1987
- Housing and Planning Act 1986
- Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993
- Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002
- You can tap here to see copies of these Acts on the legislation.gov.uk website.
- You can also tap here to see further information and advice on the Lease Advice website.
How can I report antisocial behaviour?
Our team can help with antisocial behaviour and hate crime involving our customers.
We’re committed to resolving all cases of antisocial behaviour that involve our customers. We’ll ensure that:
- All incidents are sensitively investigated.
- Appropriate action is taken against offenders.
- Victims are supported.
How can I report antisocial behaviour if the perpetrator is not a Be One Homes tenant?
If the person causing the disturbance is not one of our tenants, here’s how you can get help:
I'm a leaseholder and would like to leave a complaint, compliment, or suggestion
We want to improve on what we do by building on our successes and learning from our mistakes.
We’ll:
- Listen to your feedback - good or bad.
- Deal with complaints efficiently and effectively.
- Keep you up to date with progress.
- Be open and honest about the process.
All compliments are passed on to the relevant section or colleague concerned so that they know you were pleased with the service provided.
Get more information on your lease:
Making changes to your lease
Get information on making changes to your lease (if you own a home that used to be owned by Be One Homes or Bolton Council).
Major works to your building (leaseholders)
Learn more about how we'll sometimes need to carry out major/large scale works to your building (for leaseholders of former Be One Homes or Bolton Council properties).
Leaseholder rights and responsibilities
Get information on your rights and responsibilities as a leaseholder (if you own a home that used to be owned by Be One Homes or Bolton Council).
Leasehold repairs
Get information on repairs for leasehold properties (if you own a home that used to be owned by Be One Homes or Bolton Council) and who is responsible for what.
Ground rent and service charges for leaseholders
Get information on ground rent and service charges for leaseholders (if you own a home that used to be owned by Be One Homes or Bolton Council).
Fees for leaseholders and Shared Ownership owners
See the full list of fees for Be One Homes leaseholders, including admin fees, consent charges, and costs for extensions, improvements, and legal documents.
Speak with us about your lease:
- We're here to help. If you'd like more information on your lease, please get in touch.
You can call us on 01204 328000 or email leaseholdmanagement@beonehomes.com. You can also write to us at:
Leasehold Management,
98 Waters Meeting Road,
Bolton,
BL1 8SW.